Not much here in terms of plot, character development, or anything else you probably ought to look for in a good story. But if a book makes me laugh this much out loud I just can't help but give it 5 stars. Such a fun read. I was embarrassed to read it in public, because I didn't want to look like a nut constantly laughing at the adventures of Wrong Way Slurps.

In the jungle you come to realize that death is a part of life. The bat eats the moth. Then the giant moth sucks the life out of the bat. Then the monkey eats the giant moth, pulling the wings off first, because he doesn't like that part. Then the monkey gets a parasite from the moth that slowly eats his brain. It's all part of the beautiful circle of life.

--Reviewed by Nate

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--Recommended by Nate

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I enjoyed this. Hard to believe it was the author's first book. By having the narrator refer to the future events as she tells you the story as she looks back on it, it kept you turning
the pages, wanting to know the whole story.

--Recommended by Lisa R.

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This novel is a grown-up fairy tale set in the bayous around New Orleans. Leganski weaves several characters' stories together seamlessly as she relates the reason for Bonaventure's silence--he is born mute but with a super-natural hearing ability that help his family come to terms with secrets untold that have cast a pall over their home.

A wonderful example of magical realism; this book reveals the mysteries of the Big Easy and at the same time opens a window on the evolving south through the 1950's.

--Reviewed by Mary T.

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I listened to this audiobook based on a stellar review, knowing nothing about the author or that the book is in verse. What an amazing book. The verse is clever and funny and heartbreaking, covering decades and diverse characters.

When I finished the second CD, I immediately started the first one and listened to the whole book again, of course hearing many things I missed the first time. Now I'm going to buy the book in honor of the author who died last year just days after he finished recording it.

--Reviewed by Connie

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Oh, I love a good slice-of-second-grade-life story. Readers start the school year with Billy Miller, who is looking forward to 2nd grade except when he's worried that he's not quite smart enough for 2nd grade. Billy gets off to a rough start with his teacher, Mrs. Silver; however with the support of his Papa and Mama, and despite his sometimes irritating little sister, the year of Billy Miller gets gets better along the way. Kevin Henkes knows kids and adults and everyone who likes a good story, and he's given them (us!) a deceptively simple, warm and endearing book.

--Reviewed by Melissa

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Second in the Rev. Clare Fergusson & Russ Van Alstyne Mysteries. Recommended by Andrea

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Recommended by Dave (5 stars) and Ellen (4 stars)

Ellen's review:
Although the author was ultimately unable to answer my most basic question of "why" he did a thorough job debunking the mythology that has grown up surrounding the Columbine tragedy. So many opportunities to interfere with the boys' plan were missed or overlooked by parents, teachers and law enforcement. The author did a good job of explaining the thoughts and feelings of Eric and Dylan based on the documents they left behind. This was a difficult book to read, but an important one for those who deal with teens.

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Recommended by Nate

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Recommended by Jane

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