Book review - Breakout

 

Title: Breakout

Author: Christina Wyman

Genre: realistic fiction

Age range: middle grade

Similar book: Love is in the Hair by Gemma Cary

Summary (provided by publisher): Ellis Starr likes learning about active volcanoes. She does not like having acne that resembles them. But it’s not just cosplaying as a pepperoni pizza that has Ellis on the verge of erupting. Her mom’s hot-and-cold moods have the two of them butting heads nonstop—especially now that her mom is dating for the first time since her parents’ separation. Then there’s Ellis’s best friend, Aggy, whose own life—and skin—seems perfect. And who could forget that Ellis still needs to decide on a research topic for a big school project.

With eighth grade proving to be every bit as pesky as a new pimple, Ellis’s only bright spot is the time she spends with her aunt Lydia, whose adorable puppy, Rocco, is a natural stress reliever. (And perhaps the perfect subject for her project.) Maybe this season of breakouts can lead to a breakthrough about what Ellis needs to truly feel good in her own skin.

What I liked: If this were just a book about a kid dealing with problem skin, that would be enough. It's a topic that gets mentioned in middle grade fiction but seldom takes center stage. But Wyman doesn't let the topic stand on it's own. Instead, Ellis's acne is her own central focus but many other issues feed into that plot. This isn't just a book about acne - it's about the complexities of being a middle schooler.

What I didn't like: As you might expect, there's a little bit of grossness to the descriptions. It's not an especially comfortable read but there's enough here for most low to middle income kids to find some common ground.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

WWW Wednesday

 What are you currently reading?

Olivia Gray Will Not Fade Away by Ciera Burch - While her peers become obsessed with crushes and her once close brother grows distant, Olivia feels increasingly invisible

What did you recently finish reading?

Breakout by Christina Wyman - A girl navigates her problem skin, changing friendships, school pressure, and her parents.

What do you think you'll read next?

Most Likely to Murder by Lish McBride

Bowtie

 I love a bowtie. 

Normally, I'm more of a fan of the sort you have to tie but when I spotted this one, I was inspired.

Here's my version, crafted from a scrap of t-shirt. I've added a strap and velcro to make it wearable, but you could also attach one to a headband or hairclip.

Latch Hook

 Did you ever make a latch hook kit? I had a couple as a kid and remember them fondly. So when I came across one in our craft supplies I decided to finish it. There were a few problems. The paper chart was missing so I had to interpret what was printed on the fabric best as I could (sometimes the printing is crooked). And the yarn we had wasn't sufficient. There wasn't enough orange and the brown and yellow were entirely missing (though weirdly there was a whole package of gray which never appears in the image). So I had to scavenge some other yarn from my stash to complete the project. And here's how it looks finished:

Of course, now I remember one other thing about doing these kits - I never know what to do with them when they're done. Attach it to a tote bag? Make a wall-hanging? What do you think?

Listen with Me

 

Some of Us Are Brave by Saadia Faruqi

At first, this book is pretty much exactly what I expected. We have three kids from different backgrounds, kids who either never interact or don't get along, thrown together by a natural disaster. Each kid comes into the situation with fears and motivations, aspects of their life that no one else knows about. Unsurprisingly, their journey to safety brings their secrets into the light and forces them to confront their fears. There's a point late in the novel where this has happened, where each kid has faced their fear and the group has reached safety. A lesser author would wrap up the novel there. Not Faruqi. Instead we get several more chapters as the characters continue to confront their pasts and deal with the way their lives have changed. It doesn't rest in simple solutions but shows us characters continuing to struggle and work towards change. This is no simple survival story. Absolutely a book worth reading, sharing, and discussing.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Book review - Lies We Tell About the Stars

 

Title: Lies We Tell About the Stars

Author: Susie Nadler

Genre: realistic fiction

age range: teen

Similar books: Looking For Alaska by John Green

                    Where Things Come Back by John Corey Whaley

Summary (provided by publisher): Celeste Muldoon is alone when the Big One finally hits, because, for the first time ever, her best friend stood her up after school. Nicky and Celeste share a birthday, matching tattoos, an obsession with the upcoming Mars mission, and pretty much everything else. So why did he ghost her on the day she needed him most?

As the quake’s death toll rises and days pass, Nicky and Celeste’s parents fear the worst. But Celeste doesn’t buy it. He couldn’t be dead. Nicky’d spent their senior year selling essays to rich kids and was about to get caught. He’d told Celeste about his plan to vanish, to reinvent himself and escape the disaster he’d created. The quake would be perfect cover.

But she can’t convince anyone that he could still be alive. Only Meo, a mysterious stranger who was somehow mixed up with Nicky, seems to believe, but Celeste has every reason to distrust him—even if her heart races whenever Meo shows up.

When Celeste finds Nicky’s notebook, it sends her and Meo on a quest across the broken city, up the coast through towns sheltering quake refugees, and eventually all the way to Florida, where the mission to Mars is about to lift off.

What I liked: This is more than just a book about the hunt for a missing person. In many ways, looking for Nicky is secondary to the plot of Celeste's avoidance of pretty much everything in her life. So this isn't a quest novel in the traditional sense. It is very much a tale of internal growth. As such, Celeste is a strong, dynamic character. She's quite often not likeable but she's relatable.

What I didn't like: The plot takes some slightly fantastic turns, points that stretch the bounds of believability a bit. It never goes too far though. And there is an element of privilege that the book briefly recognizes but never fully comes to terms with.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Listen with me

 

Some of Us are Brave by Saadia Faruqi

This tale of kids surviving in Houston during the floods of Hurricane Harvey promises both physical and emotional turmoil. 

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Book review - The Magic of Someday Soon

 

Title: The Magic of Someday Soon

Author: Michelle Lee

Genre: realistic fiction/magical realism

Age range: middle grade

Similar book: The Stars of Whistling Ridge by Cindy Baldwin

Summary (provided by publisher): Zoe longs to one day put down roots. Since her dad’s death, twelve-year-old Zoe September has drifted from place to place with her artist mother, the Up-cycle Magician. Then a new art project for her mom brings them to Maravel, Florida—her dad’s hometown. In Maravel, she discovers a delicious, enchanting secret among the sweet brews of her grandmother’s tea shop. But how will Zoe ever leave when her mom wants to get back on the road?

Teddy dreams of the day she can save her past. Twelve-year-old Teddy Martin has a mission: restore her great-grandparents’ legacy, Fossil Gardens, a theme park of artistic recreations of prehistoric animals. Desperate to rescue the last remaining sculptures, Teddy enlists the Up-cycle Magician’s help before they disappear forever. But with sinkholes threatening to swallow the decaying fossils, is Teddy in over her head?

Never underestimate the magic of someday soon. Things bubble and steam between Zoe and Teddy when they team up. But in working together to save Fossil Gardens, the girls discover something even more special—the possibility of your deepest wishes coming true in unexpected ways and a friendship that feels like home.

What I liked: Both Zoe and Teddy are strong characters, outside of the typical depiction of young girls. There's no boy-crazy or image obsessed characters here. These are girls struggling with their place in the world, with figuring out who they are. And their emotions are strong enough to make for quite compelling reading

What I didn't like: There's not much I don't like about this book. There are perhaps uncomfortable moments in the plot but they are never without purpose. Each moment is chosen to further the plot and it's emotional impact.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

WWW Wednesday

 What are you currently reading?

Lies We Tell About the Stars by Susie Nadler - A teen searches for her missing best friend who disappeared during an earthquake.

What did you recently finish reading?

The Magic of Someday Soon by Michelle Lee - A girl always on the move with her artist mother and one desperate to hold onto the world as she knows it work together to save a pair of crumbling statues.

What do you think you'll read next?

Here for a Good Time by Kim Spencer

Godzilla

 I spotted this image while scrolling one day and was immediately inspired. I really wanted to make a plush Godzilla of my own. As luck would have it, I also had some fleece pajama pants that were wearing out that begged to be turned into something fun. I love the combination of the monstrous Godzilla with the playfulness of the reindeer fleece. And I was able to make the arms and legs jointed.

Book review - When Tomorrow Burns

 

Title: When Tomorrow Burns

Author: Tae Keller

Genre: realistic fiction

Age range: middle grade

Similar book: The Witching Wind by Natalie Lloyd

Summary (provided by publisher): Once there was a tree. For two hundred years, there was a tree. There was a tree. There was a tree. Until the tree fell in a forest--and then there was a book.

When best friends Nomi, Vi, and Arthur were younger, they discovered a book of prophecies. It was so very comforting to know what was coming. But as the kids grew older, they forgot about the book.

Until the final prophecy started coming true.

Now, as seventh grade tests their friendship and wildfires threaten Seattle, the final prophecy promises fire and destruction. Nomi tries everything to prevent calamity. The only problem? She needs help...but Vi's acting strange and Arthur stopped talking to her.

Vi can't tell Nomi, but she's been texting the coolest boy in school, and it's going well--until that boy makes an unexpected request, and she must decide who she wants to be.

Meanwhile, Arthur joined the cross-country team, but he can't outrun the real reason he ended his friendship with Nomi. The best he can do is try to hide it.

As the prophecy escalates, past and present intersect, fate and friendship collide, and secrets spread like wildfire. Together, Nomi, Vi, and Arthur must face the future...even, and especially when it's so uncertain.

What I liked: We're dealing with an excellent cast of characters here. The primary characters, of course, but secondary characters as well. Each one has a distinct, often complex, motivation and approach. While not always likeable, they are realistic. And while this isn't always a comfortable read, the messaging is important without being heavy-handed.

What I didn't like: There are brief scenes from the past that introduce the perspective of trees. While these moments add to the whole narrative, they break up the pacing in a way that can become tiresome.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

WWW Wednesday

 What are you currently reading?

When Tomorrow Burns by Tae Keller - Three kids hunt for a book of prophecy in hopes of stopping what could be the end of the world.

What did you recently finish reading?

Paradise Coast by Suzanne Young - In the wake of a storm and increasing unrest, a deeply stratified resort town must confront the secrets of it's past.

What do you think you'll read next?

The Magic of Someday Soon by Michelle Lee

Goblin puppet

 I set out to make a companion for my last puppet. I'm not sure that this one fits the bill but I do love it. I was going for a goblin sort of creature. The ears have a wire that feeds inside of the head so they can move around independently. Since the arms are tiny and purely decorative, the ears can wave and even "grip" things instead.

Book review - Hail Mariam

 

Title: Hail Mariam

Author: Huda Al-Marashi

Genre: realistic fiction

age range: middle grade

Similar book: Measuring Up by Lily LaMotte

Summary (provided by publisher): Sixth grade wasn’t supposed to be this complicated.

Iraqi American Mariam Hassan transfers to a local Catholic school and before her first day her parents remind her that she might be the first Muslim her classmates have ever met. No big deal, right? Just represent an entire religion while making new friends, keeping up with schoolwork, and figuring out who she is.

When Mariam’s younger sister, Salma, is diagnosed with a serious lung condition, her family faces endless doctor visits and sleepless nights. Mariam tries to lighten their burden and keep her own problems to herself—including the fact that she’s just been cast as Mary in the school’s Christmas nativity play.

Mariam wants to honor her faith and her new community, but she’s terrified of crossing a religious line. Can a Muslim girl be the lead in a Christian story? What will her family think? And why does she feel like every decision she makes represents all Muslims?

Mariam discovers that faith, much like friendships, isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection. As she leans on her family, friends, and school community, she begins to see the power of interfaith cooperation and learns she doesn’t have to carry the weight of the world on her shoulders.

What I liked: Mariam is a strong character. She's responsible and does a lot to take care of herself and her sister, but she's also still a child and her characterization reflects that. Her understanding of the world is very one note and it takes the bulk of the novel for her to gain a more nuanced understanding and start seeing the world as more complex.

What I didn't like: Salma is a more one-note character. She falls victim to the role of a lot of younger siblings in books - she's cute and innocent and has no complexity of her own. She is only there to create conflict and complication for Mariam. While I like the conversation this book introduces about religion and culture, the depth is lacking.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Book reveiew - Choir Grrrl

 

Title: Choir Grrrl

Author: Ashley Granillo

Genre: realistic fiction

Age range: middle grade

Similar book: Sofia Acosta Makes a Scene by Emma Otheguy

Summary (provided by publisher): Thirteen-year-old Alondra was born into a musical family.

Her dad, the former frontman of a famous alt-rock band, expects her and her sisters to follow in his footsteps. The girls have formed their own band, which will open for their dad during his comeback tour.

Despite secretly liking quieter music, Alondra is committed to preparing for the tour. She’ll do whatever it takes: Change the sound of her voice. Suppress her discomfort with some fans’ behavior. Act the part of a hardcore riot grrrl.

But when a classmate invites her to join a choir club, Alondra discovers a new way of making music. Choir lets her express herself in ways that the band doesn’t.

Afraid to upset the delicate balance in her family, Alondra secretly practices with the choir between shows with her sisters’ band―until her secrets are exposed. Will she be forced to choose between her two voices, or can she bring the different parts of her life into harmony?

What I liked: Typically when we have a book about a character with secret interests it's a sharp dichotomy. The parents want one thing for their kid who wants something completely different. I like that this book isn't so sharply defined. It's not that Alondra hates the music she performs with her sisters and only wants to do choir. This is a book that wants to reject rigidity and expectations and give kids space to explore themselves and their identity.

What I didn't like: This was an uncomfortable read for me since I struggle with characters lying and keeping secrets, knowing it's going to blow up in some dramatic way. Still, Granillo allows the mess to build in a natural way and similarly allows plenty of space for reconciliation. This can mean pacing is a bit slow but ultimately the strong characters make up for it. 

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

WWW Wednesday

What are you currently reading?

Hail Mariam by Huda Al-Marashi - When her parents send her to a Catholic school, Mariam struggles with schoolwork, her sister's illness, and what it means to be the only Muslim in her school.

What did you recently finish reading?

Choir Grrl by Ashley Granillo - Alondra joins a choir club at school, keeping it a secret from her family who expect her to give her full attention to the alt-rock band she is in with her sisters, following in their father's footsteps.

What do you think you'll read next?

Paradise Coast by Suzanne Young

Pancake Tuesday

 I'm not Catholic. I've never observed Lent. But I love Pancake Tuesday. Who doesn't love an excuse to eat pancakes? This year I had the day off so I decided to make it an extreme Pancake Tuesday by having some form of pancakes at every meal.

Breakfast was mixed berry peanut butter pancakes.

Lunch was stir-fried vegetables with these Xi'an tofu and cabbage stuffed pancakes.

And to go with dinner I made zucchini fritters.

Non-fiction book review - Why Space Will Freak You Out

 

Why Space Will Freak You Out by Kimberly K. Arcand and Megan Watzke

Is the title of this book a bit extreme? Sure. It's certainly designed to play on a kid's fondness for the macabre. But the information it contains is solid. The actual text is informative without hyperbole. With photos and charts throughout there's plenty on each page to engage a reluctant reader.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

WWW Wednesday

 What are you currently reading?

Goodbye, French Fry by Rin-rin Yu - A Chinese-American girl navigates difficult classmates, what it means to be Chinese, and the possibility of having to move.

What did you recently finish reading?

Postscript by Cory McCarthy - Some of the last humans figure out how to live when the world is falling apart.

What do you think you'll read next?

Choir Grrl by Ashley Granillo

Book review - Space for Saffron

 

Title: Space for Saffron

Author: Rie Neal

Age range: middle grade

Genre: realistic fiction

Similar book: Maizy Chen's Last Chance by Lisa Yee

Summary (provided by publisher): Curious ten-year-old Saffron Speiser-Green loves science—unfortunately, her “experiments” tend to end in more messes than actual answers. (Just ask the broken alarm clock that’s still at the bottom of her backpack.) Saffron has a plan, though—a blue ribbon in her school’s Project Showcase will show the world she means business.

But when Saffron’s beloved volcano project ruins the walls at Mama’s job and gets her fired, Saffron will do anything to make things right—including helping Mama convince her other mom, Mimi, that they should move to the Silicon Valley to run Gran’s coffee shop. Mama’s dream job is worth giving up the blue ribbon. Right?

Luckily for Saffron, her new friends in the Silicon Valley are busy preparing for a STEM Expo, and Saffron is determined to find a project “smart” enough to show everyone she belongs there. But the coffee shop? No customers, no vision, and…tons of debt. And if it closes, Saffron’s family will have to move again. After a class trip to the STEAMology Museum in San Francisco, though, Saffron knows how to save the café—and what to do for her STEM Expo project. But she’s going to need a lot of help.

What I liked: Saffron is sort of the modern Ramona or Clementine. She's clever and creative but also impulsive to a degree that often gets her into trouble. She is, in short, realistic. And while Saffron is disabled, her hearing issues are not central to the plot. They inform some of her behavior but that's all. It's inclusive without being a capital I issue. It's a relatively quick and engaging read.

What I didn't like: The focus of the plot can be a bit scattered. And it lacks the humor that we often see in impulsive characters. There's not a lot of depth to the plot but it's accessible.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley