Title: We Are Still Tornadoes
Author: Michael Kun and Susan Mullen
Genre: realistic fiction
Similar books: Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
Dash and Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
Rating:
 |
| charming |
Summary (provided by publisher): Growing up across the street from each other, Scott and Cath have been best friends their entire lives. Cath would help Scott with his English homework, he would make her mix tapes (it's the 80's after all), and any fight they had would be forgotten over TV and cookies. But now they've graduated high school and Cath is off to college while Scott is at home pursuing his musical dreams.
During their first year apart, Scott and Cath's letters help them understand heartache, annoying roommates, family drama and the pressure to figure out what to do with the rest of their lives. And through it all, they realize that the only person they want to turn to is each other. But does that mean they should be more than friends? The only thing that's clear is that change is an inescapable part of growing up. And the friends who help us navigate it share an unshakable bond.
Co-written by Michael Kun and Susan Mullen, We Are Still Tornadoes is a funny yet deeply moving book--set to an awesome 80's soundtrack--that captures all the beautiful confusion and emotional intensity we find on the verge of adulthood...and first love.
My opinion: At first I didn't really know what to make of this book, but it quickly won me over. Both Cath and Scott's voices are charming and distinct. Even though the narrative is a series of letters, they are letters that show the perfect level of detail. We get to know secondary characters simply through the description and stories provided by Scott and Cath, to the point that we can begin to predict their behaviors. The setting is spot on. Cultural references place us in the 80's but remain subtle. There is an undercurrent of humor in each letter that speaks to these characters being lifelong friends but doesn't detract from serious moments and the heart of the novel. The letter format helps to keep the plot moving. While the ending is a little more happily-ever-after than I generally prefer, it remains an enjoyable read and one that I would easily recommend for most teens.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.
I make no secret of my general disdain for books based on movies and television shows. With a whole world of amazing literature available why would you waste your time on tired rehashing of the same old plot, on books that rely too much on our familiarity with existing characters to the point that there is no personality in dialogue or actions. We've all read them, a hundred and fifty pages of nods back to a block-buster movie. They're never any good.
Except when they are.
I've read a number of Doctor who novels and they never disappoint. Sure, it helps to know the show at least a little. Most of these novels don't spend much time explaining the TARDIS, the sonic screwdriver, or who the Doctor or his many foes are. But, because the doctor travels throughout time and space, many of these books center on new characters, allowing basic explanations to be naturally incorporated into the plot and giving a chance for character development.
Most recently I read a collection of short stories centered on the 12th Doctor in the United States. Justin Richards' Doctor Who: the American Adventures is fairly basic but highly entertaining collection of stories appropriate for even middle grade readers.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.
My craft fair was this weekend so this is probably the last of the Christmas ornaments you'll see from me for a little while.
This quartet is one I made for a band concert craft fair last year. They didn't sell then but I don't regret making them. Something about hippos playing musical instruments makes me chuckle.
Penguins are nothing new for me. They've become my default ornament. If all else fails, make a penguin.
The Musical Monsters of Turkey Hollow adapted by Roger Langridge
Today's selection is unusual in that it was originally intended to be a television special. Created by Jim Henson, it was storyboarded, puppet concepts designed, and songs written before it was shelved. Langridge got permission to take those concepts and scripts and adapt them into a graphic novel. Henson's influence is clear in the character designs and the plot. It plays out well on the page and will appeal to young readers, especially those with at least a passing familiarity with the Muppets.
Title: The Secret Life of Lincoln Jones
Author: Wendelin Van Draanen
Genre: realistic fiction
Similar books: The Distance to Home by Jenn Bishop
Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate
Rating:
 |
| lovely |
Summary (provided by publisher): My secret life is filled with psychic vampires, wheelchair zombies, chain-rattlin' ghosts, and a one-eyed cat. But they're nothing compared to my real-life stalker: a sixth-grade girl named Kandi Kain. . . .
Lincoln Jones is always working on the latest story he's got going in his notebook. Those stories are his refuge. A place where the hero always prevails and the bad guy goes to jail. Real life is messy and complicated, so Lincoln sticks to fiction and keeps to himself. Which works fine until a nosy girl at his new school starts prying into his private business. She wants to know what he's writing, where he disappears to after school, and why he never talks to anybody. . . .
The Secret Life of Lincoln Jones is a terrifically funny and poignant story about a boy finding the courage to get to know the real characters all around him—and to let them know him.
My opinion: Fantastic writing here. I'm a big fan of Lincoln, the way his mind works. I was easily caught up in his story and his interactions with people, especially the "oldies" at Brookside. Clearly his obsession with his stories is a coping mechanism but it's not overdone. He's still a skilled writer and doesn't stop just because he determines to face reality. There are a lot of subtle secondary messages at play as well, mostly having to do with dignity. Most of the secondary characters are pretty basic but this is not uncommon in middle grade fiction. The biggest selling point for me is that it holds up to repeat reading. there's something more to discover and more importantly to discuss with each read. It would make a great book club selection.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.
I'm not one for really scary stuff so apart from wearing costumes and getting candy, Halloween has never been a particularly big deal for me. I do enjoy carving pumpkins, though, and I've started experimenting with the form a little more recently. This is the Jack O'Lantern I designed this year. It's a bit more cutesy than my usual style (unicorns aren't exactly my favorite) but I loved the idea of the carrot horn.
Title: The Case of Maker Mischief
Author: Liam O'Donnell
Genre: Mystery
Similar books: The Great Shelby Holmes by Elizabeth Eulberg
The Ghost and Max Monroe by L.M. Falcone
Rating:
 |
| a nice little mystery |
Summary (provided by publisher): Myron, the third-grade detective who loves logic, facts, and solving mysteries, gets the chance to crack another case when he finds out his classmate Jordan’s robot has been stolen. Jordan and tech-savvy Danielle, known as “Glitch,” had been working on it for weeks for the upcoming Maker Faire Robot Maze Challenge.
Together with his detective partner, the hyper-energetic Hajrah, Myron pins down two suspects: Sarah “Smasher” McGintley, the school bully, and Lionel Amar, another robot builder who was caught with Jordan and Glitch’s plans. But after investigating the case further, they find out the thief is someone entirely unexpected.
Myron’s unique perspective from the autism spectrum and his eye for detail make him a top-notch sleuth. Similarly, the other neurodiverse kids in his resource room demonstrate creative problem solving and unique talents that come in handy for the case.
Black-and-white spot illustrations accompany the text in this fun and accessible page-turner for independent readers. With a connection to STEAM and the maker movement, this book is an exciting next installment in the West Meadows Detectives series.
My opinion: Characterization in this novel is minimal but that can be excused by both the reading level (it skews towards early elementary) which leaves little room for character development and Myron's ASD. Given that the story is told largely from his perspective, it's not entirely unexpected that the narrative focuses more on facts, details, and cause and effect than in details of personality or interpersonal relationships. While this can lead to some disconnect between the reader and the story and this age level that's less of a hindrance than it would be for older readers. As a mystery, it's pretty solid. Plenty of clues, red herrings, and a logical progression of events. Additionally, this is the second book in a series. Even without reading the first book I was easily able to follow the plot and distinguish characters.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.
