Book review - Armstrong and Charlie

Title: Armstrong & Charlie
Author: Steven B. Frank
Genre: historical fiction
Similar books: Night on Fire by Ronald Kidd
                     Paperboy by Vince Vawter
Rating:

could spark some great discussion

Summary(provided by publisher): Charlie isn’t looking forward to sixth grade. If he starts sixth grade, chances are he’ll finish it. And when he does, he’ll grow older than the brother he recently lost. Armstrong isn’t looking forward to sixth grade, either. When his parents sign him up for Opportunity Busing to a white school in the Hollywood Hills, all he wants to know is "What time in the morning will my alarm clock have the opportunity to ring?"  When these two land at the same desk, it's the Rules Boy next to the Rebel, a boy who lost a brother elbow-to-elbow with a boy who longs for one.
From September to June, arms will wrestle, fists will fly, and bottles will spin.  There'll be Ho Hos spiked with hot sauce, sleepovers, boy talk about girls, and a little guidance from the stars. 
Set in Los Angeles in the 1970s, Armstrong and Charlie is the hilarious, heartwarming tale of two boys from opposite worlds, Different, yet the same.

My opinion: There are, of course, dozens of books about racism and the civil rights movement for every age level. For the most part these books explore blatant, systemic racism. Frank has taken a more subtle approach. Given a school that is the subject of busing, we do get some obvious racism, students leaving the school, bullying. The bulk of the prejudice, though, is more subtle. Its based on assumptions and snamp judgements. Its the kind of prejudice we may not even realize is happening. Frank's characters question everything. Even open and accepting characters have moments of bias. It's a subtle, nuanced cast of characters. The issues in the novel are perhaps a bit too easily resolved, but it's an important addition to the conversation about racism, prejudice, and assumption.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

A very fancy bird

Back before Halloween, I spotted these crows at a local store. I was surprised by how well I liked them. Just not $13 worth.

 So when I found this foam crow at the dollar store I knew I'd found the perfect crafting opportunity. The problem was I didn't have the right fabric or paper to decorate my crow. So its been sitting in a bin ever since.

I finally got my crow decorated this weekend. The key was to forget the hat and collar from the original decoration and let her look however she wants. And this crow wanted a necklace and sparkly toenails.

Pick 6: love stories

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

6 new love stories:

1. The Stand-In by Steve Bloom

2. How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You by Tara Egglington

3. If I Fix You by Abigail Johnson

4. We Are Still Tornadoes by Michael Kun and Susan Mullen

5. The Radius of Us by Marie Marquardt

6. There's Something about Nik by Sara Hantz

Non-fiction book review - Smash!

Smash! by Sara Latta

My understanding of physics and subatomic particles has always been basic. Neutrons, protons, electrons. Anything past that was well beyond me. So I was pleased to find this book. Think of it like the Magic School Bus for a slightly more advanced crowd. Now, it is a very basic introductions. I wouldn't say that I have a clear understanding of physics having read this book. More like a better idea of everything involved and what scientists are trying to achieve with the Large Hadron Collider. A solid choice for a middle grader with an interest in science.

More Information: Smash! releases April 1.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.

Book review - The Mesmerist

Title: The Mesmerist
Author: Ronald L. Smith
Genre: fantasy
Similar books: The Diviners by Libba Bray
                     The Case of the Devil's Interval by Emily Butler
Rating:

a solid if simple adventure

Summary (provided by publisher): Thirteen-year-old Jessamine Grace and her mother make a living as sham spiritualists—until they discover that Jess is a mesmerist and that she really can talk to the dead. Soon she is plunged into the dark world of Victorian London's supernatural underbelly and learns that the city is under attack by ghouls, monsters, and spirit summoners. Can Jess fight these powerful forces? And will the group of strange children with mysterious powers she befriends be able to help? As shy, proper Jess transforms into a brave warrior, she uncovers terrifying truths about the hidden battle between good and evil, about her family, and about herself. 

My opinion: Think of this book as a younger, more transparent version of The Diviners. The source of these kid's abilities is known, as are the limits. Smith also incorporates more elements of magic: the fae, werewolves, seraphs, and so on. If you can put aside the obvious comparisons, we're left with a fairly strong team tale. Each character's abilities directly influence the plot, as well as their personal histories. Additionally, the setting is strong. We get a solid sense of historical London. Of course, that same setting will be a turn off for some young readers. It's a niche novel but a strong addition to that niche.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.

Curse your sudden but inevitable betrayal!

I've been re-watching Firefly lately, which is what lead to this drawing.

 I'd intended to draw the whole dinosaur, but t-rex arms are surprisingly tricky to draw

Book review - Captain Pug

Title: Captain Pug: The Dog Who Sailed the Seas
Author: Laura James
Genre: early chapter books
Similar books: Claude in the City by Alex T. Smith
                     Leroy Ninker Saddles Up by Kate DiCamillo
Rating:

ultimately forgettable

Summary (provided by publisher): On one very ordinary day Pug's nose knows that breakfast is on its way. And with breakfast, come crumbs – but not just any old crumbs, jam tart crumbs. Jam tarts are Pug's favorite food, and he loves nothing more than to share them with his best friend, Lady Miranda. But just before Pug can finish the last jam tart, Lady Miranda picks him up and whisks him away for a sea-faring adventure. Unfortunately for Pug, it turns out that water may be his biggest fear!
To avoid the water, Pug takes a well-timed snack break. But when his brief respite takes an unexpected turn, Pug will have to find his true Captain self and steer a path back home.

My opinion: This little book provides a simple but wild plot speckled with all manner of unusual details and supported by dynamic illustrations. This can work well if the characters and plot are charming, a goal Captain Pug doesn't quite achieve. While Pug is cute, Lady Miranda's extreme privilege and selfishness are neither relatable nor endearing. Pug's naivete is paired with a sort of laziness. An entertaining enough book to occupy a young reader but perhaps not the best choice for a group reading.

More information: Captain Pug releases March 14.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.