Title: The Tale of Angelino Brown
Author: David Almond
Genre: magical realism
Similar books: Matilda by Roald Dahl
Pablo and Birdy by Alison McGhee
Rating:
 |
| better than I expected |
Summary (provided by publisher): Do you believe in angels? Bert and Betty Brown do, because Bert discovered one in his shirt pocket the other day while he was driving his bus. All of a sudden they had a little boy of their very own to care for — how heavenly! Bert and Betty’s friends think Angelino is lovely. So do Nancy and Jack and Alice from school. But the Head Teacher, Mrs. Mole, is not so sure. Neither is Professor Smellie. And who is the mysterious Man in Black who claims to be a School Inspector? Or the big, lumbering Basher Malone? What could all these sneaky adults possibly have against such a perfect little angel?
My opinion: Generally speaking, I find Almond's writing too weird, representational, and generally dark. This one bucks that trend. Firstly, it skews a little younger, though it will land with older audiences as well. This story has messages about the state of modern schools and how perception affects behavior. Can be read and enjoyed several times.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.
I struggle with greeting cards. I don't like spending several dollars for a folded piece of paper with a generic sentiment on it. Making my own cards does mean that I'm less likely to give cards out but I feel like there's more meaning behind them this way.
This particular card has a watercolor background. The text was written in india ink with a dip pen.
Brazen by Penelope Bagieu
Brief overviews, as in this collection, are a great way to introduce readers to important figures. Bagieu introduces the reader to 28 women who challenged societal norms in some way. A few will be familiar but most will be entirely unfamiliar to the average reader. They innovated in music, art, science politics. We see elements of their early lives and how this influenced them later. And she doesn't whitewash - we get both the exemplary events and things we might find problematic. If even one of these tales inspires a young reader to learn more or to challenge the world, then Bagieu has achieved her end.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.
Title: The Altered History of Willow Sparks
Author: Tara O'Connor
Genre: graphic novel
Similar books: Who is AC? by Hope Larson
Teen Boat by Dave Roman and John Green
Rating:
 |
| a decent beginning |
Summary (provided by publisher): A nerdy teenage girl discovers a magical book that gives her the power to re-write her life, but magic always comes with a cost.
What happens when you can finally get everything you ever wanted?
Willow Sparks and her best friend Georgia Pratt are at the bottom of the social ladder at Twin Pines High School, just trying to get through each day relatively unscathed. But when Willow finds a mysterious book that allows her to literally change her life, it feels like her luck is finally turning. As she becomes more and more popular with each entry into the book, her old life, including her friendship with Georgia, seems miles away. Yet as Willow will discover, every action has a reaction, and the future has unusual—even dangerous—ways of protecting itself.
My opinion: I was pretty into this book for the first 3/4. The plot is clear and well supported by the illustrations. Not particularly complex, but not every book has to be a head scratcher. The problem is, the plot sort of falls apart in the final act. What had been centered on a clear progression falls into loose conjecture and a sudden ending.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.
It's still snowing off and on here, but I'm starting to look forward to spring. As evidenced by these doodles in my sketch book.
And when I wanted to make a little gift for a friend of mine, It only made sense to make a version of the flower guy.
Title: Gracie LaRoo
Author: Marsha Qualey
Genre: beginning chapter book
Similar books: Wallace and Grace Take the Case by Heather Alexander
Three Ring Rascals series by Kate Klise
Rating:
 |
| cute |
Summary (provided by publisher): Gracie LaRoo is a synchronized swimming pig extraordinaire! Follow Gracie as she shoots for the gold medal; uses her dazzling moves in a Piggywood movie; visits her old school and shows her former coach just how hard synchronized swimming can be; and captivates a cruise ship audience with her signature spins. This easy-to-read, beautifully illustrated chapter book by seasoned author Marsha Qualey will make new readers squeal with delight as they learn about the marvelous, the amazing, the pig-tastic Gracie LaRoo!
My opinion: Most early chapter books follow the same basic framework. This one is a bit of an aberration. Structurally, its closer to collected short stories. They are linked in broad strokes but each story stands on its own. Each plot has an easily distilled message and is supported by appealing illustrations. Focusing a book on synchronized swimming is an interesting choice. Not the most relatable but certainly unique. Additionally, synchronized swimming allows the author to discuss both cooperative and individual life-skills.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.
Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson
Discussing this book requires a discussion of "girl" graphic novels. There is a plethora of romance and friendship drama themed stories in graphic novels and we're sometimes told that this is a triumph. At last, comics for girls! And I'm not slamming those. They have their role, just like every other book. But what about other girls? Girls who aren't into superheroes or love stories. What about athletes? They need stories too. And thet's where Roller Girl comes in. This is a story of athleticism and counterculture and finding your niche in an unexpected place. Its a story that will appeal to athletes and outsider alike. From a purely artistic standpoint, it's brightly colored with a solid sense of movement.
