Pick 6: humor

April Fool's Day is nearly upon us. How better to celebrate than with a funny read? Here are 6 funny books published in the last 6 months, covering everything from beginning chapter books to teen novels.

6 new comedies:
1.  Samantha Spinner and the Super Secret Plans by Russell Ginns

2. They Didn't Teach THIS in Worm School by Simone Cia

3. Wrapped Up by Dave Scheidt

4. Stuck in the Stone Age by Geoff Rodkey

5. Kim Reaper by Sarah Graley

6. Peanut Butter and Jelly by Ben Clanton

Non fiction book review - Better Together

Better Together by Nikki Tate

This is a book that could easily be used by both an upper elementary school child and a young teen. The vocabulary is accessible but the content isn't overly simplified. Concepts are explained simply but thoroughly. Readers will learn about all kinds of community: from the nuclear family to humans as a global community, following a series of concentric circles. While older readers will want to explore the concepts in more depth, this is a nice way to introduce a complex topic.

More information: Better Together releases April 3.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.

Book review double feature

Tyler Johnson Was Here by Jay Coles
Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes

I'm departing from my regular review format today. These two books are linked thematically. It only seemed natural to draw comparisons between them. We have here two books on a timely and difficult topic: unarmed boys of color shot by law officers. There are, of course, differences. Tyler Johnson Was Here comes from the perspective of a victim's brother. It explores the nuanced nature of innocence, the right way to protest, and when violence and anger are justified. Coles' novel is more complex and aimed at a teen audience. Ghost Boys, a verse novel, is presented from the victim's perspective. It explores the history of violence against boys of color, how far we've come and just how far we have to go. Rhodes also touches on the emotional impact for the family of the shooter and the more subtle end of the racism spectrum.

While neither of these books are perfect, reading them with a group of kids is a great way to start a conversation about racism and violence in the modern world.

More information: Ghost Boys releases April 17.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Brighten up that bunny

Personally, I'm not big on holiday decorations. I don't like spending money on something that will only be displayed for a few weeks at most. That being said, I am a fan of re-purposing items that still have use. In this case, I was given this Easter decoration that had seen better days. 

While the paint was quite flaky, the underlying decoration was pretty cute. A quick once-over with a stiff brush and a fresh coat of paint has allowed it to shine again. 

Non-fiction book review - Robots and Drones

Science Comics: Robots & Drones by Mairghread Scott

I've had a mixed experience with the Science Comics series. This is a particularly good installment. The key is, Scott doesn't push too hard to give it a plot. This isn't a story, just a robot bird explaining the concepts, particularly the difference between a machine and a robot. We get history, basic details, a little bit about programming, and some speculation about the future, all with fairly simple but appealing illustrations. There is one fairly significant absence here: artificial intelligence doesn't even get a mention.

More information: Robots & Drones releases March 27.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Book review - The Tale of Angelino Brown

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.

Custom greeting card

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.

 

Non-fiction book review - Brazen

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.

Book review - The Altered History of Willow Sparks

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.

Flower guy

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.

 

Book review - Gracie LaRoo

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.

Graphic Novel Spotlight - Roller Girl

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.

Non-fiction book review - Assassins' America

Assassins' America by Jessica Gunderson and Joe Tougas

There is no shortage of books about assassinations, particularly about Lincoln and Kennedy. You might think there was nothing else to write. This book laughs in the face of such an assertion. A fantastic approach. Gunderson and Tougas do several things right. We're given background on both president and assassin, childhood events that shaped the direction of their lives, the events of the shooting itself, and how life might have changed had the death not occurred. And it's not just wild speculation. The authors rely on primary sources, personal documents, that reflect the plans each president had for the country. Especially fascinating is the section on Garfield. A great choice for young history buffs nad those with an interest in government. 
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Book review - Stuck in the Stone Age

Title: Stuck in the Stone Age
Author: Geoff Rodkey
Genre: humor
Similar books: Spy Toys by Mark Powers
                      Holly Farb and the Princess of the Galaxy by Gareth Wronski
Rating:

Doesn't quite live up to the promise

Summary (provided by publisher): Tom Edison (no, not that Tom Edison) is a hopeful janitor who dreams of becoming a scientist—and Dr. Morice is a shy scientist who dreams of making friends. When an accident at the lab sends them back in time to the stone age, Tom and Dr. Morice must work together to face down cavemen, saber-tooth tigers, and other B.C. hazards, with only one problem: Tom isn’t very good at science, and Dr. Morice isn’t very good with people.
A laugh-out-loud time-travel adventure, Stuck in the Stone Age is the first in a series of novels that double as an introduction to the basics of creative writing. With the help of Story Pirate Captain Rolo Vincent and the Story Creation Zone, kids can use this kid-generated sci-fi comedy as inspiration to create their OWN great stories!

My opinion: Let's be frank. This book is kind of foolish. The concept is, at best, odd. It breaks one of my cardinal rules of juvenile fiction, casting adults as main characters. It works, in a way, since said adults behave rather like children. They struggle with social issues, behave selfishly, have naive beliefs. The writing is a little funny and is over all harmless. I liked the idea of using a full novel to inspire kids to do their own writing, pointing out in the text what various writing concepts actually look like. The question is, will any young readers actually bother to read the informational section? Is the story compelling enough to inspire young writers?
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.

Wall art repaint

Post holiday clearance is a great source of crafting materials. I found this wall plaque in an after Christmas sale. I found the original design a little bland. A touch of paint makes it a nice all seasons decoration for my beige walls.

 

Pick 6 - Sci fi

There are many levels of science fiction, from mostly realistic with some mild sci-fi elements to tales entirely set in a fictional world. While my personal tastes lean more towards the former, I try to read novels that fit all over the spectrum. Luckily, there are some really good sci-fi novels being written for young people these days. Here are six sci-fi novels, from beginning readers to teen novels, written in the last six months.

6 new sci-fi novels:

1. Satellite by Nick Lake

2. Robots and Repeats by Gene Luen Yang

3. Uncanny by Sarah Fine

4. The Last Girl on Earth by Alexandra Blogier

5. Road to Eugenica by A. Rose

6. Stuck in the Stone Age by Geoff Rodkey