Book review - Spineless

 

Title: Spineless

Author: Samantha San Miguel

Genre: historical fiction/fantasy

Similar books: Otter Lagoon by Nancy Deas

                     Lemons by Melissa Savage

Rating:

 

interesting elements

Summary (provided by publisher): When his asthma lands him at a health resort in the wilds of Gilded Age South Florida, twelve-year-old Algie Emsworth is over the moon. The scientific treasure trove of unexplored swamps may launch his dream career as a naturalist. But even Algie is startled when he happens upon a brand-new species and her brood in the karst springs surrounding the resort. Algie quickly realizes he must keep his discovery a secret: a famous collector of exotic animals is also staying at the hotel, and the new species is threatened by his very presence. An apparent curse has also descended upon the hotel, bringing with it a deadly red tide. But when the pool starts filling with ink and guests start getting mysterious, sucker-shaped wounds, Algie must pluck up his courage to find the truth about the goings-on at the Grand Hotel—and save the new species from destruction.

My opinion: The strongest part of this book is it's focus on science and responsible exploration. Algie and his new friends want to make important discoveries. It's a vital part of their plans to become famous naturalists. At the same time they want to be sure of what they have found. Additionally, they decide to prioritize the safety of their discovery over their own desires. It's a book that values altruism and shames personal gain. The messaging is a bit blunt and heavy handed, the characters a bit thin in their exploration, especially the 'villain' types. Additionally there is more conflict than action, so it's not the most thrilling read. Still, a decent choice for kids who enjoy more of an historical setting.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Necklace organizer

 Some crafts are born of necessity.

I don't wear necklaces very often but I have a few that I enjoy. I'm always frustrated when I go to put one on and find the chains all tangled up. That's what happened to me this weekend. Now, I could buy an organizer but I am...let's say frugal. Instead, I decided to fashion one myself out of cardboard and paper clips. I cut two end flaps from a box (so they would be the same size) and partially unfolded some paper clips.

It was a simple matter to hot glue the paper clips along the bottom edge of one piece of cardboard and layer the other piece on top. With a hole punched into the cardboard it was ready to hang.

It's a little bland, hanging on the wall, so I'll add some interest with duct tape or paint in future but since I was short on time this weekend this is enough for now.

Update:

I have not found my duct tape but I did find these little color-your-own Marvel posters. A little work with some markers and they make my necklace hanger much more interesting on the wall.

Book review - The Last Beekeeper

 

Title: The Last Beekeeper

Author: Pablo Cartaya

Genre: dystopia

Similar books: D-39: A Robodog's Journey by Irene Latham

                      The Last Wild by Piers Torday

Rating:

 

solid concept, scattered execution

Summary (provided by publisher): In a future shaken by climate disasters, Yolanda Cicerón knows that nature is something to be feared. While life in the Valley is brutal and harsh, Yoly dreams of leaving her farm to live in Silo—the most advanced town for miles around. But first, Yoly will need to prove she belongs in a place where only the smartest and most useful are welcomed.
Between her razor-sharp smarts and sheer determination, Yoly is well on her way until she discovers her family can no longer afford her schooling. When forced to take matters into her own hands, the closer she gets to securing her future, the more she uncovers the dangers lying inside Silo’s walls—ones that threaten the entire Valley.
As she cracks long-guarded secrets, Yoly, along with those closest to her, is put in grave peril and the only chance of surviving may lie in the rediscovery of a long-extinct species—the honeybee. Can the last surviving beehive be the key to pulling the Valley out from under Silo’s thumb, or will they destroy what remains of Yoly’s future?

My opinion: The set up here is strong. We have a world where people are increasingly struggling to get by on their own. The environment is failing them and there is little hope that things will get better. Even in the early chapters we get hints of increasing governmental controls, little stories of people banished for shadowy reasons. And as the title suggests, we're exploring the impact of pollinators on an environment. The ecological messaging is pretty much what we'd expect from a middle grade novel. The political aspects might be a bit of a reach but not too much for an engaged reader. The writing itself is a bit chaotic. It doesn't give us enough background into relationships and characters. Only a few have any depth, so there isn't the emotional connection. We have no basis for understanding how they will act and why. The big ideas behind this book are certainly worth discussing and it was an easy enough read. Just not one that will top my list.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Graphic novel spotlight

 Cat's Cradle: The Golden Twine by Jo Rioux

Fantasy adventures are well suited to the graphic novel format and this one fits neatly into that niche. Rioux combines the wiley humor of Nimona with the contemplation of The Last Unicorn. Suri, our protagonist, is an independent girl determined to make her dreams come true regardless of what anyone else thinks. Through happenstance and a bit too much curiosity, she finds herself on a classic fantasy quest. She's a charming, likeable character and the plot has enough foreboding and promise of things to come to keep the reader engaged. It's not an especially deep read but is a solid example of graphic novel series well suited to the middle grade audience.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Non fiction book review - Alexander von Humbolt

 Alexander von Humboldt by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

von Humboldt is a figure most of us will find unfamiliar. He isn't often the subject of history lessons or children's books. We don't often dig into the world of naturalists or scientific expeditions. Given his focus on the natural world he will be a compelling figure for children. The book focuses on curiosity and the importance of discovery, necessarily avoiding discussion of the dark side of exploration and colonization but that can be corrected via careful conversation with your child. This book will be of particular interest to children interested in animals and scientific classification.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Book review - Sherlock Holmes

 

Title: The Blue Carbuncle The Dancing Men and The Empty House

Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Retold by Alex Woolf

Genre: classic mystery

Similar books:The Baker Street Peculiars by Roger Langridge

                     The Baker Street Four by Olivier Legrande

Rating:

 

accessible

Summary (provided by publisher): Join world-famous detective Sherlock Holmes and his ever-loyal sidekick Dr. Watson as they embark on a daring adventure.
When the Countess of Morcar's priceless blue jewel is stolen, a former thief is charged with the crime, but is he really guilty? Never fear: Sherlock Holmes is on the case, and the truth will out!
Hilton Cubitt is worried. Drawings of "dancing men" keep appearing around his house and they're frightening his wife, who seems to know what they mean. Can our brilliant hero solve the mystery of these drawings before disaster strikes?
The whole of London is shocked and baffled by the murder of Ronald Adair. It seems like an impossible crime! Can our sensational sleuth solve the mystery of how Adair was killed before the murderer strikes again?

My opinion: Sherlock Holmes can be compelling reading but the original text can be difficult to follow. For kids who are still working on reading comprehension the old fashioned highly descriptive language of Doyle's original work is too much and adaptations are often necessary. Woolf's version is quite simplified. The writing is stripped down to really only the basics needed to follow the mystery. There is little in the way of description or reflection. We get facts and some basic dialogue, no character development or exploration of motivation. For quite young readers this adaptation series is probably sufficient. For slightly older kids who are trying to puzzle through Doyle's original works, this series could work as a supportive text, helping them to understand the heart of what they have read.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Blueberry plaque

 I dug up my collection of plaques to paint again and selected this one. With the more elegant shape I wanted something natural and pleasing for a subject. After a failed attempt at some flowers I settled on blueberries.