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jenbsbooks's Reviews (2.41k)
I'd picked up the physical book years ago after having it recommended for boys/reluctant readers ... which my sons were. None of them got around to reading this, nor did I. Until now, #middlegrademay2025 ... a personal challenge to read mostly middle grade for the month, and especially to get to any unread MG books on my personal shelves.
I liked this a lot - it jumped right into the action with the Prologue being a scene a little later in the book. Then with Ch1, it shifted back a bit in time to build to that point (in Ch8) then continues on. The main character is 12-year old Mikhail, and it's told in 1st person from his perspective (past tense).
I've read a ton of WW2 books, and I don't know that I'd really seen this issue (dogs, especially "GERMAN" shepherds) so that was interesting to learn more about (in the fiction story and in the author's notes afterward).
I liked this a lot - it jumped right into the action with the Prologue being a scene a little later in the book. Then with Ch1, it shifted back a bit in time to build to that point (in Ch8) then continues on. The main character is 12-year old Mikhail, and it's told in 1st person from his perspective (past tense).
I've read a ton of WW2 books, and I don't know that I'd really seen this issue (dogs, especially "GERMAN" shepherds) so that was interesting to learn more about (in the fiction story and in the author's notes afterward).
I liked this ... I went primarily with the audio (I had a physical and Kindle copy as well) and I really do think the audio is the way to go. Kim Mai Guest was the narrator, and she really brought Ess to life, I loved her little voice.
The story was compelling ... but maybe too metaphorical even for me (so I do wonder what younger readers would think of it). Reading the top review (by author Rick Riordan) who said "The book is, of course, a metaphorical look at childhood, and what it means to become an adult" well, it seems obvious now that it's pointed out to me, but I'll admit while I was finishing the book up, I was a little "umm, that's it? We don't get any explanation?" Even with out, I did like it and will think back on it fondly, although I don't know that I'd go out of my way to recommend it or feel compelled to keep my copy (it was intended for the Little Free Library, but sometimes I have trouble parting with favorites).
It was interesting to have this mystical island where these nine children survive, and thrive. Where all the plants are edible, where once can't get seriously hurt (the snakes don't bite, the wind won't allow you to fall off the cliff), going potty is "wishing" ... where the eldest (maybe 12ish?) is in charge of the group and of the youngest "care" teaching them (around 3 or 4?) to swim, read, help with tasks. Where everyone gets along (no Lord of the Flies here).
I do love the cover image.
The story was compelling ... but maybe too metaphorical even for me (so I do wonder what younger readers would think of it). Reading the top review (by author Rick Riordan) who said "The book is, of course, a metaphorical look at childhood, and what it means to become an adult" well, it seems obvious now that it's pointed out to me, but I'll admit while I was finishing the book up, I was a little "umm, that's it? We don't get any explanation?" Even with out, I did like it and will think back on it fondly, although I don't know that I'd go out of my way to recommend it or feel compelled to keep my copy (it was intended for the Little Free Library, but sometimes I have trouble parting with favorites).
It was interesting to have this mystical island where these nine children survive, and thrive. Where all the plants are edible, where once can't get seriously hurt (the snakes don't bite, the wind won't allow you to fall off the cliff), going potty is "wishing" ... where the eldest (maybe 12ish?) is in charge of the group and of the youngest "care" teaching them (around 3 or 4?) to swim, read, help with tasks. Where everyone gets along (no Lord of the Flies here).
I do love the cover image.
The silly title, and the reviews, made me think this might be a book my boys (reluctant readers) would enjoy. It's been on our home library shelf for years and year ... unread by them, and by me. During my #MiddleGradeMay challenge, I figured I'd try to get to any books on my shelves (there weren't that many unread, as I had been fairly liberal with purges over the years, giving away most of my physical books as I am a digi-convert and the boys grew up).
My first thoughts upon finishing this were ... "my niece is a counselor at an elementary school. I really wonder what she thinks of this?" A major part of the story was the interaction between a few students, and the new school counselor, Carla Davis. She is incredibly upbeat, and a little unorthodox ... and that was the part where I was wondering what those in the profession might think. I majored in psychology myself, and being a mother, one is often in a "counselor" like position (just to wonder myself some of these approaches would work with kids). This was published in 1987, but even with that, I still wondered how the counselor having the kids call her by her first name, or kissing them on the cheek (Bradley's sister does say the MsDavis could get fired for that, although other than that, it never really came up again, even though Bradley is a bit in love with her).
A lot of the characters are almost caricatures ... the main character Bradley is pretty awful, so it actually says a lot that the reader does start to like him/root for him as the book progresses. The teacher, and the other parents ... yikes! A little over-the-top, and hopefully unacceptable today.
While I had the physical book in hand, I still borrowed the audiobook from the library and went primarily with that. Good narration, very animated, distinct voices for the characters. I was sad that the library, while having the ebook, didn't have it available in Kindle. I'm a Kindle snob. Can't save my notes/highlights :( There are some good QUOTES saved here. I wish there were discussion questions ... I'll often do a Google search if there aren't any included and can usually find some. With middle-grade books, it's more likely to find elementary-school questions/quizlets and assignments, which aren't quite the same as bookclub/adult discussions and ponderings.
Overall, I quite liked this though, seeing the growth of Bradley and some of the other children, seeing the challenges through their young eyes (although all 3rd person/past tense).
My first thoughts upon finishing this were ... "my niece is a counselor at an elementary school. I really wonder what she thinks of this?" A major part of the story was the interaction between a few students, and the new school counselor, Carla Davis. She is incredibly upbeat, and a little unorthodox ... and that was the part where I was wondering what those in the profession might think. I majored in psychology myself, and being a mother, one is often in a "counselor" like position (just to wonder myself some of these approaches would work with kids). This was published in 1987, but even with that, I still wondered how the counselor having the kids call her by her first name, or kissing them on the cheek (Bradley's sister does say the MsDavis could get fired for that, although other than that, it never really came up again, even though Bradley is a bit in love with her).
A lot of the characters are almost caricatures ... the main character Bradley is pretty awful, so it actually says a lot that the reader does start to like him/root for him as the book progresses. The teacher, and the other parents ... yikes! A little over-the-top, and hopefully unacceptable today.
While I had the physical book in hand, I still borrowed the audiobook from the library and went primarily with that. Good narration, very animated, distinct voices for the characters. I was sad that the library, while having the ebook, didn't have it available in Kindle. I'm a Kindle snob. Can't save my notes/highlights :( There are some good QUOTES saved here. I wish there were discussion questions ... I'll often do a Google search if there aren't any included and can usually find some. With middle-grade books, it's more likely to find elementary-school questions/quizlets and assignments, which aren't quite the same as bookclub/adult discussions and ponderings.
Overall, I quite liked this though, seeing the growth of Bradley and some of the other children, seeing the challenges through their young eyes (although all 3rd person/past tense).
I liked this a lot. 4.5 stars. I had this in all three formats (physical book, audio and Kindle copy) and went primarily with the audio. Loved the narrator (same one as in [book:Out of My Mind|6609765]) ... sometimes you can tell with the voice that the individual is black, which was the case here (also in the writing itself) and that really added to the story for me.
Told in 1st person (past tense). 11-year old Delphine is the MC. There were so many cute conversations with her two younger sisters (Vonetta and Fern) and again, both the writing, and the voicing of those written words by the narrator, just brought the girls to life and suggested so much personality.
While this IS aimed at young readers, I absolutely enjoyed it as an adult. I wonder if some of Delphine's thoughts are maybe too sophisticated for an 11-year old? There was some lovely prose, creative similes/metaphors and such.
I didn't have much knowledge of the Black Panther movement, it was interesting to get some of that history. I would have liked a more in-depth afterward/notes with more factual information, but I suppose I could look to the inspirational books/research like the author did. I would have loved some discussion questions included in the book - I did find some online. Worth checking out ... my own little Book Club in my mind ;)
https://bealearninghero.org/book/one-crazy-summer/
https://files.harpercollins.com/PDF/TeachingGuides/0060760885.pdf
This didn't have numerical chapters, but headers ... I always like looking over the Table of Contents (there isn't one in the physical book per usual, but easy to see in the Kindle and Audio). I was able to highlight and copy the headers ... Cassius Clay Clouds, Golden Gate Bridge, Secret Agent Mother, Green Stucco House, Mean Lady Ming, Collect Call, For the People, Glass of Water, Inseparable, Breakfast Program, Even the Earth Is a Revolutionary, Crazy Mother Mountain, Everyone Knows the King of the Sea, Coloring and La-La, Counting and Skimming, Big Red S, China Who, Expert Colored Counting, Civic Pride, Rally for Bobby, Eating Crow, Itsy Bitsy Spider, Movable Type, San Francisco Treat, Wish We Had a Camera, The Clark Sisters, I Birthed a Nation, Stores of the No Sayers, Glorious Hill, The Third Thing, So Be Eleven, Afua
I made several notes/highlights.
I guess this is a first of a series ... this wrapped up well, had a conclusion. I might have to look into the sequels, just to hear the cute voices again and see what other adventures the girls get into.
Told in 1st person (past tense). 11-year old Delphine is the MC. There were so many cute conversations with her two younger sisters (Vonetta and Fern) and again, both the writing, and the voicing of those written words by the narrator, just brought the girls to life and suggested so much personality.
While this IS aimed at young readers, I absolutely enjoyed it as an adult. I wonder if some of Delphine's thoughts are maybe too sophisticated for an 11-year old? There was some lovely prose, creative similes/metaphors and such.
I didn't have much knowledge of the Black Panther movement, it was interesting to get some of that history. I would have liked a more in-depth afterward/notes with more factual information, but I suppose I could look to the inspirational books/research like the author did. I would have loved some discussion questions included in the book - I did find some online. Worth checking out ... my own little Book Club in my mind ;)
https://bealearninghero.org/book/one-crazy-summer/
https://files.harpercollins.com/PDF/TeachingGuides/0060760885.pdf
This didn't have numerical chapters, but headers ... I always like looking over the Table of Contents (there isn't one in the physical book per usual, but easy to see in the Kindle and Audio). I was able to highlight and copy the headers ... Cassius Clay Clouds, Golden Gate Bridge, Secret Agent Mother, Green Stucco House, Mean Lady Ming, Collect Call, For the People, Glass of Water, Inseparable, Breakfast Program, Even the Earth Is a Revolutionary, Crazy Mother Mountain, Everyone Knows the King of the Sea, Coloring and La-La, Counting and Skimming, Big Red S, China Who, Expert Colored Counting, Civic Pride, Rally for Bobby, Eating Crow, Itsy Bitsy Spider, Movable Type, San Francisco Treat, Wish We Had a Camera, The Clark Sisters, I Birthed a Nation, Stores of the No Sayers, Glorious Hill, The Third Thing, So Be Eleven, Afua
I made several notes/highlights.
I guess this is a first of a series ... this wrapped up well, had a conclusion. I might have to look into the sequels, just to hear the cute voices again and see what other adventures the girls get into.
Back when my boys were young, and NOT following in my book-steps (reluctant readers all five) I was trying to keep a number of books on hand that I thought might interest them ... or at least make the most of required reading. All the boys liked basketball (three of them playing high school ball, the youngest currently playing college ball) and they, and I, read a number of the sports books out there. By Lupica, Feinstein, Deuker ... I didn't read The Crossover by Kwame Alexander until this year, but had it on my shelf).
I didn't get to Fast Break until now ... #middlegradeMay challenge.
Like a few other middle grade books I've read this month, we have a young boy (12 years old) who ends up alone, abandoned by his mother (father never in the picture). Trying not to let anyone know because he's afraid of the foster care system. While I hear a lot about the school provided breakfast and lunch, I never really thought about it being the main/only food for some kids (while this is fiction, and there probably aren't many kids ALL alone, I'm now realizing that I just may not be aware of the importance of this food for some). Forced to steal to survive ... food, and then shoes, and he's caught in that attempt.
In a bit of a twist to the stereotype - Young Jayson (white) is fostered by a black couple. Other than just the initial "they're black, they live in this nice neighborhood!" the race issue doesn't play into the story that much.
As my boys were growing up, at times I'd have them "write up" experiences for journals, the family blog, etc. At times, they'd go a little too in depth describing basketball. I actually love watching them play and love anything they would write up, but knew that for other family, they'd probably skip over some of the play-by-play. I felt similarly about some of the game descriptions here. It's hard enough to just keep track of the main characters, add in all the teammates and those on the opposing team, and then the running play-by-play of what's happening (he dished to him, and he faked him out, he posted up and then stole the ball ...) Because I have a pretty good familiarity with the game, I think I was able to follow, to visualize some of the games being described ... but wonder if it would be a little too much for many more casual readers?
I enjoyed Jayson's story and growth ... comfortable where he was, struggling on the "wrong side of town" and not fully appreciating how much he lucked out in foster care with a caring and wealthy couple taking him in and supporting him. A new school and team than he is able to integrate in fairly easily. The usual "sports" challenges, but also his struggles trying to hide where he came from and things in his past (understandably, he's afraid of what people would think of him if they knew he'd been caught stealing). He makes some great personal strides, in life, in the game.
Even though my boys are older know, I'd still love to have them read this, I'd like to know what they think of the story. That probably is not going to happen ... ;) But I give it a thumbs up to any other mothers with teen boys, encourage them to give it a go.
I didn't get to Fast Break until now ... #middlegradeMay challenge.
Like a few other middle grade books I've read this month, we have a young boy (12 years old) who ends up alone, abandoned by his mother (father never in the picture). Trying not to let anyone know because he's afraid of the foster care system. While I hear a lot about the school provided breakfast and lunch, I never really thought about it being the main/only food for some kids (while this is fiction, and there probably aren't many kids ALL alone, I'm now realizing that I just may not be aware of the importance of this food for some). Forced to steal to survive ... food, and then shoes, and he's caught in that attempt.
In a bit of a twist to the stereotype - Young Jayson (white) is fostered by a black couple. Other than just the initial "they're black, they live in this nice neighborhood!" the race issue doesn't play into the story that much.
As my boys were growing up, at times I'd have them "write up" experiences for journals, the family blog, etc. At times, they'd go a little too in depth describing basketball. I actually love watching them play and love anything they would write up, but knew that for other family, they'd probably skip over some of the play-by-play. I felt similarly about some of the game descriptions here. It's hard enough to just keep track of the main characters, add in all the teammates and those on the opposing team, and then the running play-by-play of what's happening (he dished to him, and he faked him out, he posted up and then stole the ball ...) Because I have a pretty good familiarity with the game, I think I was able to follow, to visualize some of the games being described ... but wonder if it would be a little too much for many more casual readers?
I enjoyed Jayson's story and growth ... comfortable where he was, struggling on the "wrong side of town" and not fully appreciating how much he lucked out in foster care with a caring and wealthy couple taking him in and supporting him. A new school and team than he is able to integrate in fairly easily. The usual "sports" challenges, but also his struggles trying to hide where he came from and things in his past (understandably, he's afraid of what people would think of him if they knew he'd been caught stealing). He makes some great personal strides, in life, in the game.
Even though my boys are older know, I'd still love to have them read this, I'd like to know what they think of the story. That probably is not going to happen ... ;) But I give it a thumbs up to any other mothers with teen boys, encourage them to give it a go.
I'd grabbed this book at a library book sale - it's not one I'd seen or heard about anywhere, but I saw it had good ratings. Perfect for my #middlegradeMay challenge (something I might not get to otherwise). Even though I had the physical book, I borrowed the audio and kindle copy from the library, and went primarily with audio.
Kid book & HORROR don't usually go together (although I know there is some "scary stuff" out there). This wasn't bad, "cute scary" ... or at least "cute protectors". The main character is 10 years old, but still sleeping with his "stuffies" as he can feel there's bad stuff out there, and that they protect him and his family.
It was cute when his mom arranged a playdate, hoping to get him socializing with more athletic/normal kids, and the other kid also happens to be a "stuffie" expert, and that these cute stuffed animals are "rated" with some providing more protection than others. The MC ends up shipped off to camp, where he meets more kids with knowledge of the stuffed animal arts. Unfortunately, this leaves his father (infected by a bad something) back at home and his mom redecorating his room (packing away his stuffed animals).
On the cover - is FOON, a creature hand-created by Grandma. Foon has several one-page "chapters" (not numerically labeled as chapters, just little inserts) throughout the book. In print, the text is in italics, atrocious spelling (and the tense switches from 3rd person to 1st person - Foon's POV) ... in audio, unique voice, which added to the fun feel.
36 chapters, not including some "inset" sections, Foon's jumping in, and two "how to" sections in the text, and one more as the epilogue. They were fun additions! The chapters had "Day/Night" headers ... Kindle table of contents was good, showing everything. Audio TOC was lacking, just the basic numerical chapters (no headers, extra sections). Per usual, the physical book doesn't even deign to provide a TOC.
It was cute ... I'm trying to imagine me at 10 reading it and what I'd think. I was never scared of monsters under the bed, but I did love stuffed animals and had a huge collection.
Kid book & HORROR don't usually go together (although I know there is some "scary stuff" out there). This wasn't bad, "cute scary" ... or at least "cute protectors". The main character is 10 years old, but still sleeping with his "stuffies" as he can feel there's bad stuff out there, and that they protect him and his family.
It was cute when his mom arranged a playdate, hoping to get him socializing with more athletic/normal kids, and the other kid also happens to be a "stuffie" expert, and that these cute stuffed animals are "rated" with some providing more protection than others. The MC ends up shipped off to camp, where he meets more kids with knowledge of the stuffed animal arts. Unfortunately, this leaves his father (infected by a bad something) back at home and his mom redecorating his room (packing away his stuffed animals).
On the cover - is FOON, a creature hand-created by Grandma. Foon has several one-page "chapters" (not numerically labeled as chapters, just little inserts) throughout the book. In print, the text is in italics, atrocious spelling (and the tense switches from 3rd person to 1st person - Foon's POV) ... in audio, unique voice, which added to the fun feel.
36 chapters, not including some "inset" sections, Foon's jumping in, and two "how to" sections in the text, and one more as the epilogue. They were fun additions! The chapters had "Day/Night" headers ... Kindle table of contents was good, showing everything. Audio TOC was lacking, just the basic numerical chapters (no headers, extra sections). Per usual, the physical book doesn't even deign to provide a TOC.
It was cute ... I'm trying to imagine me at 10 reading it and what I'd think. I was never scared of monsters under the bed, but I did love stuffed animals and had a huge collection.
I liked this - I had the physical book but also grabbed the audio and kindle from the library. I went primarily with the audio. The narrator sounded older, the voice not quite matching the main character (12 year old Luka) ... but I guess it could be said it is his older self reflecting on his younger years.
While some of the writing felt a bit simplistic and straight-forward (not a lot of lyrical lines), it dealt with a lot of horror from the war, starting right off with the MC being buried under dead bodies. There is a lot of death. It kept my interest and I felt like I learned some things, but I also don't know how much I'll remember, if this book will stand out in my memory at all, or just mix with all the other WW2 books I've read.
This did highlight the Ukraine (and that has been of recent interest too) and how they were caught between Stalin and Hitler, horrible treatment from both sides. The young MC had some basic medical background (his father being a pharmacist) and it's always interesting to me to hear about natural remedies and/or medical care back in history/during war time.
27 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters did have little one word headers (Chill, Stars, Warmth, Snores ...) The headers weren't included in the Table of Contents in either audio or Kindle (and the physical book didn't have a TOC at all). I wished they had been ... I would have liked to just glance back over the headers and see if that could remind me what was in that chapter.
1st person, past tense.
This is a "companion" novel ... I had not read any of the other connected books. I might look into them. I didn't feel the need to stop and make any notes or highlights. There were some informative author's notes at the end. I found this book at a thrift store and picked it up for the LittleFreeLibrary. Seeing it had high reviews, I figured I'd give it a read first (it was during #middlegradeMay).
While some of the writing felt a bit simplistic and straight-forward (not a lot of lyrical lines), it dealt with a lot of horror from the war, starting right off with the MC being buried under dead bodies. There is a lot of death. It kept my interest and I felt like I learned some things, but I also don't know how much I'll remember, if this book will stand out in my memory at all, or just mix with all the other WW2 books I've read.
This did highlight the Ukraine (and that has been of recent interest too) and how they were caught between Stalin and Hitler, horrible treatment from both sides. The young MC had some basic medical background (his father being a pharmacist) and it's always interesting to me to hear about natural remedies and/or medical care back in history/during war time.
27 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters did have little one word headers (Chill, Stars, Warmth, Snores ...) The headers weren't included in the Table of Contents in either audio or Kindle (and the physical book didn't have a TOC at all). I wished they had been ... I would have liked to just glance back over the headers and see if that could remind me what was in that chapter.
1st person, past tense.
This is a "companion" novel ... I had not read any of the other connected books. I might look into them. I didn't feel the need to stop and make any notes or highlights. There were some informative author's notes at the end. I found this book at a thrift store and picked it up for the LittleFreeLibrary. Seeing it had high reviews, I figured I'd give it a read first (it was during #middlegradeMay).
This book was written before I was born. I never came across it in my younger years. As a mother, with five boys/reluctant readers, I was always on the lookout for books that might appeal to them. That's when I found this book ... a physical copy on my bookshelf, that never ended up being read by the boys, or by me. Until #middlegradeMay2025 ... I was making a real goal to read any of the books that (having survived purges over the years) were on my home shelves, unread.
While I had the physical book in hand, I borrowed the audio (narrated by "Dwight" from The Office) and Kindle copy from the library. I went primarily with the audio (more ear time than eye time). As so much time has passed since the first publication, there are special re-released editions with some extras. The Kindle had a bunch of "appreciations" author's little write-ups about their connections with the book, the audio had an intro by the author - read by the author, which I appreciate! It makes it so much more personal ... and even there in the introduction I found myself smiling and laughing a little. This intro is in the Kindle copy, the "appreciations" afterward in Kindle weren't added to the audiobook).
One thing I LOVE about older books ... the physical book has a Table of Contents. Most fiction published today doesn't deign to add one (still in audiobooks and Kindle copy to facilitate moving through the book, but that goes for a physical book too!) 20 chapters, each with descriptive headers. I love finishing up the book, looking over the TOC and seeing what memories the headers alone can nudge. 1. Milo 2. Beyond Expectations 3. Welcome to Dictionopolis 4. Confusion in the Market Place 5. Short Shrift 6. Faintly Macabre’s Story 7. The Royal Banquet 8. The Humbug Volunteers 9. It’s All in How You Look at Things 10. A Colorful Symphony 11. Dischord and Dynne 12. The Silent Valley 13. Unfortunate Conclusions 14. The Dodecahedron Leads the Way 15. This Way to Infinity 16. A Very Dirty Bird 17. Unwelcoming Committee 18. Castle in the Air 19. The Return of Rhyme and Reason 20. Good-by and Hello
While this wasn't the most wonderful "story" ... really it's an imaginative adventure, it was so chock full of puns, alliteration, word play, that I was giggling much of the time. I'm a fan of all that. Consider the cover, the dog with a clock in its body ... it's a "watchdog" ... and the dog can fly a little, because "time flies". There is a spelling BEE, a HUM Bug ... the characters jump TO conclusions (a place) and then can't get off it (because you jump to conclusions, not away from them). There are too many to mention. This book includes almost every play on words imaginable, adds oodles of awesome alliteration, jokes and rhymes. Due to the book being a bit dated, and children not learning some of the sayings and puns until they are older, I would imagine that many things might be missed by a younger audience, and appreciated MORE by adults. And still, if by chance a book club were to read a middle-grade book, there still could be some topics for discussion (I googled and found these ... https://allscifiallthetime.com/the-ph... )
I'm not positive this is one my boys would have appreciated - but I might have to check with my punny brother to see if he's read this!
While I had the physical book in hand, I borrowed the audio (narrated by "Dwight" from The Office) and Kindle copy from the library. I went primarily with the audio (more ear time than eye time). As so much time has passed since the first publication, there are special re-released editions with some extras. The Kindle had a bunch of "appreciations" author's little write-ups about their connections with the book, the audio had an intro by the author - read by the author, which I appreciate! It makes it so much more personal ... and even there in the introduction I found myself smiling and laughing a little. This intro is in the Kindle copy, the "appreciations" afterward in Kindle weren't added to the audiobook).
One thing I LOVE about older books ... the physical book has a Table of Contents. Most fiction published today doesn't deign to add one (still in audiobooks and Kindle copy to facilitate moving through the book, but that goes for a physical book too!) 20 chapters, each with descriptive headers. I love finishing up the book, looking over the TOC and seeing what memories the headers alone can nudge. 1. Milo 2. Beyond Expectations 3. Welcome to Dictionopolis 4. Confusion in the Market Place 5. Short Shrift 6. Faintly Macabre’s Story 7. The Royal Banquet 8. The Humbug Volunteers 9. It’s All in How You Look at Things 10. A Colorful Symphony 11. Dischord and Dynne 12. The Silent Valley 13. Unfortunate Conclusions 14. The Dodecahedron Leads the Way 15. This Way to Infinity 16. A Very Dirty Bird 17. Unwelcoming Committee 18. Castle in the Air 19. The Return of Rhyme and Reason 20. Good-by and Hello
While this wasn't the most wonderful "story" ... really it's an imaginative adventure, it was so chock full of puns, alliteration, word play, that I was giggling much of the time. I'm a fan of all that. Consider the cover, the dog with a clock in its body ... it's a "watchdog" ... and the dog can fly a little, because "time flies". There is a spelling BEE, a HUM Bug ... the characters jump TO conclusions (a place) and then can't get off it (because you jump to conclusions, not away from them). There are too many to mention. This book includes almost every play on words imaginable, adds oodles of awesome alliteration, jokes and rhymes. Due to the book being a bit dated, and children not learning some of the sayings and puns until they are older, I would imagine that many things might be missed by a younger audience, and appreciated MORE by adults. And still, if by chance a book club were to read a middle-grade book, there still could be some topics for discussion (I googled and found these ... https://allscifiallthetime.com/the-ph... )
I'm not positive this is one my boys would have appreciated - but I might have to check with my punny brother to see if he's read this!
I'd loved Wonder and read all the books associated with that series. I grabbed this because it was the same author. This is set historically, 1860 or so. 1st person, past tense. I generally think books are aimed at an audience aged the same as the main characters (here, Silas - 12 years old), but the writing here felt a little more sophisticated than that; the tone and wording, some of the happenings (twists).
This was pretty slow ... I mean, there is some action right off (referring to how he/Silas had been struck by lightening, his father being taken, introducing Mittenwool to the reader as a ghost ... and yet, it was dragging some. Maybe it was after that initial action as Silas makes his way to try and find his father that it felt slow. I wasn't tempted to give up on it, but I was thinking "I don't know that I'd rate this very highly" ...
Then some things started to happen. There were some "oh I should highlight that" moments. There were some twists, some connections that suddenly made the book come together more, made it memorable and something special. Still not quite up to a full 5*, but one that I'll think back on fondly.
What also upped the appreciation was the Author's Notes (and I was so happy that in audio, instead of the male narrator who had voiced the story, the author voiced the notes. That makes it so much more personal!). There were also a discussion guide in the print/kindle copy, and I was really glad for those thought provoking questions.
I didn't love the simple title, I guess the Pony is integral and yet ... my physical copy had a blue cover with a silhouette of a boy/horse, which I think I liked a little more than the one with just the pony's unique head.
I had the book in three formats - physical, kindle and audio. I went primarily with the audio. There were eleven "parts" with five new numerical chapters in each ... I don't know that I really saw distinct separation in the parts. No headers or anything. Looking at the print, there was a picture and a quote, and I guess there were some shifts to the different parts. It was confusing to me in audio though, to have it be "one" again ... and again and again. I guess I prefer continuous chapter numbering as it helps me know where I am, and able to switch more easily between formats.
Words I note: deign, hectoring
This was pretty slow ... I mean, there is some action right off (referring to how he/Silas had been struck by lightening, his father being taken, introducing Mittenwool to the reader as a ghost ... and yet, it was dragging some. Maybe it was after that initial action as Silas makes his way to try and find his father that it felt slow. I wasn't tempted to give up on it, but I was thinking "I don't know that I'd rate this very highly" ...
Then some things started to happen. There were some "oh I should highlight that" moments. There were some twists, some connections that suddenly made the book come together more, made it memorable and something special. Still not quite up to a full 5*, but one that I'll think back on fondly.
What also upped the appreciation was the Author's Notes (and I was so happy that in audio, instead of the male narrator who had voiced the story, the author voiced the notes. That makes it so much more personal!). There were also a discussion guide in the print/kindle copy, and I was really glad for those thought provoking questions.
I didn't love the simple title, I guess the Pony is integral and yet ... my physical copy had a blue cover with a silhouette of a boy/horse, which I think I liked a little more than the one with just the pony's unique head.
I had the book in three formats - physical, kindle and audio. I went primarily with the audio. There were eleven "parts" with five new numerical chapters in each ... I don't know that I really saw distinct separation in the parts. No headers or anything. Looking at the print, there was a picture and a quote, and I guess there were some shifts to the different parts. It was confusing to me in audio though, to have it be "one" again ... and again and again. I guess I prefer continuous chapter numbering as it helps me know where I am, and able to switch more easily between formats.
Words I note: deign, hectoring
So ... this one actually didn't click with me. No criticisms of the writing, can't really comment on the "story" as it's a non-fiction/memoir. Books written in verse aren't my favorite, but I've had a couple 5* "poetry" reads, so it wasn't the format. Just coming to write a review and ... I really don't have much to say, I don't remember much, didn't stop and highlight.
I have this in all three formats. I picked up a physical copy, and borrowed the audio and Kindle copy from the library. I went primarily with the audio, which was narrated by the author. It was fine ... but honestly, I think I probably should have read this one. With some of my previous "poetry" reads that really connected with me (Long Way Down, The Crossover) I started with audio, felt compelled to re-read in both Kindle and physical (as in the case with verse, sometimes the spacing is part of the poetry, and it's really most effective on the printed page). Here, I skimmed both after finishing the audio, but didn't feel like doing a complete re-read. The physical book (at least my copy) has lovely deckled edges. Three circle certificates on the front.
Five PARTS with multiple "chapters" in each ... each "poem" a header and some lines on that topic. It continued chronologically for the most part.
I feel like if this had been a read for book club, or in a school setting, I would have delved deeper, done a re-read of the print copy, seen more/absorbed more than I did in my quick listen just for enjoyment. Probably would be upped it to a 4*. I can see there are quite a few QUOTES saved ... I've glanced through them, but still, not really that zing of connection.
As I try to recall ... there was quite a bit about Jehovah's Witnesses (the girls being taught, proselytizing), the youngest brother and lead paint, the two homes (with father, with mother), the author's journey to become a writer. Butterflies. Black concerns/issues.
One thing I note, is when a song is "sung" by a character, is it sung or spoken by the narrator in audio? Here, both happened (tingalay-o, come little donkey come - was spoken ... I know the tune to that one, not sure where/when I learned it. Then there was a "way down ... hollow tree" which was sung) ... have to wonder at the inconsistency?
I liked the author's note, about starting to write about her life and having the memories come. Writing an autobiography can be overwhelming, but is a good thing to do (just for family, not for publication and such. With familysearch.org, I've been surprised and how many of my ancestors took the time to write up their life history). If a full memoir seems too much, take this as inspiration and just write down little vignettes ...
I have this in all three formats. I picked up a physical copy, and borrowed the audio and Kindle copy from the library. I went primarily with the audio, which was narrated by the author. It was fine ... but honestly, I think I probably should have read this one. With some of my previous "poetry" reads that really connected with me (Long Way Down, The Crossover) I started with audio, felt compelled to re-read in both Kindle and physical (as in the case with verse, sometimes the spacing is part of the poetry, and it's really most effective on the printed page). Here, I skimmed both after finishing the audio, but didn't feel like doing a complete re-read. The physical book (at least my copy) has lovely deckled edges. Three circle certificates on the front.
Five PARTS with multiple "chapters" in each ... each "poem" a header and some lines on that topic. It continued chronologically for the most part.
I feel like if this had been a read for book club, or in a school setting, I would have delved deeper, done a re-read of the print copy, seen more/absorbed more than I did in my quick listen just for enjoyment. Probably would be upped it to a 4*. I can see there are quite a few QUOTES saved ... I've glanced through them, but still, not really that zing of connection.
As I try to recall ... there was quite a bit about Jehovah's Witnesses (the girls being taught, proselytizing), the youngest brother and lead paint, the two homes (with father, with mother), the author's journey to become a writer. Butterflies. Black concerns/issues.
One thing I note, is when a song is "sung" by a character, is it sung or spoken by the narrator in audio? Here, both happened (tingalay-o, come little donkey come - was spoken ... I know the tune to that one, not sure where/when I learned it. Then there was a "way down ... hollow tree" which was sung) ... have to wonder at the inconsistency?
I liked the author's note, about starting to write about her life and having the memories come. Writing an autobiography can be overwhelming, but is a good thing to do (just for family, not for publication and such. With familysearch.org, I've been surprised and how many of my ancestors took the time to write up their life history). If a full memoir seems too much, take this as inspiration and just write down little vignettes ...