Book review - Finding Lost

 

Title: Finding Lost

Author: Holly Goldberg Sloan

Genre: realistic fiction

Age range: middle grade

Similar book: Gooseberry by Robin Gow

Summary (provided by publisher): Cordy Jenkins is searching for something that will change her life, and for the safety that vanished when her father died. She is convinced that if she just tries hard enough, she will find part of what her family lost, which will stop her mom from wanting to leave the small town she and her little brother have always called home. What Cordy finds instead is a muddy, hungry little dog with bad breath. And he's the start of her family's new beginning.

What I liked: The characters here are strong and realistic. Cordy and her family aren't perfect. Each person has enough flaws to ring true as real people. Their emotions are complex. It's a relatable story with reasonable scope.

What I didn't like: The plot is a bit idealized and predictable. A kid going through a rough patch connecting with a dog is a familiar plot and we generally know where such plots are headed. While it doesn't stand out dramatically from the crowd it remains pleasant and readable.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

WWW Wednesday

 What are you currently reading?

The Free State of Jax by Jennifer A Nielsen - Frustrated by the mistreatment he experiences at the hands of his guardians, Jax forms a micronation on a raft in his neighbor's pond.

What did you recently finish reading?

The Letters We Keep by Nisha Sharma - An ambitious young woman and a privileged young man find hidden letters that might hold the key to the truth behind a campus legend at their college.

What do you think you'll read next?

Jackson Bright in Spotlight by Eureka O'Hara

I have returned

 

Sort of fell off the earth there for a while, didn't I?

I started a new job in May and life sort of got away from me for a while. By the time I got my schedule figured out I was really behind on blogging and got super overwhelmed so I figured it was time for a break. But I'm back now and should be posting reviews again soon. 

If you stuck with me all this time, I truly appreciate it.

Graphic Novel Spotlight - Sib Squad

 

Sib Squad by Steve Breen   

This book is ideal for elementary readers who are ready for something beyond the most basic graphic novels. The vocabulary is still simple and accessible. The illustrations are easily understood and dynamic with a nice level of detail. The book is broken down into shorter stories so a kid who struggles with following a storyline for a long period will have an easier time with this one. The messaging is straightforward, addressing basic interpersonal issues. The characters are distinct visually and by personality. It may not be a book that a kid will turn to time and again but it's a solid read.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Suddenly I have a brand

 I made the decision to be a vendor at our local farmer's market this summer. I've been spending a lot of time this spring spinning my rabbit fur and I have a stock of yarn. I knew I needed a band telling people the basic information about the yarn. It could have been plain but I wanted a catchy name and a little picture. And this is what I came up with:

So hopefully you'll see some more updates from me soon telling you where you can find Hutch On The Hill Rabbit Fiber Yarns both online and in person.

WWW Wednesday

What are you currently reading?

Take Me Home Tonight by Morgan Matson - Two best friends on a mission to have the best night every in New York without their parent's knowledge.

What did you recently finish reading?

The Doughnut Club by Kristina Rahim - A girl who's always felt out of place in her family searches for connection to her sperm donor father.

What do you think you'll read next?

Astronautical! by Brooklin Stormie

Book review - Alice Eclair, Spy Extraordinaire

 

Title: Alice Eclair, Spy Extraordinaire - A Recipe for Trouble

Author: Sarah Todd Taylor

Genre: mystery

Age range: middle grade

Similar book: A Case of Grave Danger by Sophie Cleverly

Summary (provided by publisher): Baker by day, spy by night — Alice Éclair leads an exciting double life!
A mysterious message sends Alice on a mission aboard France's most glamorous train, the Sapphire Express . Alice must sneak on board posing as a pastry chef and discover which passenger is an enemy agent before they reach their final stop. But everyone on the train seems to be hiding something...
Armed with her whisk, her wits, and her will to succeed, Alice has a spy to catch.

What I liked: For a child spy, Alice is a suprisingly believable character. While she is exceptionally skilled, her reactions are appropriate for a child her age. She's not unflappable, unable to be manipulated. She's a kid, and a likeable one at that. The stakes are high without ever becoming too much for a young reader.

What I didn't like: The setting is war-time France. While that's interesting to me it might be a hard sell for a young reader. Still, Taylor handles it well and keeps us engaged.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley