Take a photo of a barcode or cover
2.59k reviews by:
librarybonanza
Age: 1st - 3rd grade
Although the subject of the book is Groundhog's Day, children will be enthralled with all the weather facts strewn throughout the book (if that's their pleasure). Presented in an art pop/comic format, we follow along a class of groundhogs (and one "foreign exchange student"--the skunk) as they learn about their future professions. Along the way are facts on famous groundhogs, famous weathermen, how to build a burrow, seasons, and shadows. Amidst these sidebar facts, the plot continues throughout the book giving a nice structure. Well compiled and well written!
Although the subject of the book is Groundhog's Day, children will be enthralled with all the weather facts strewn throughout the book (if that's their pleasure). Presented in an art pop/comic format, we follow along a class of groundhogs (and one "foreign exchange student"--the skunk) as they learn about their future professions. Along the way are facts on famous groundhogs, famous weathermen, how to build a burrow, seasons, and shadows. Amidst these sidebar facts, the plot continues throughout the book giving a nice structure. Well compiled and well written!
Age: Preschool - 1st grade
"Jennings' breezy story is more a celebration of friendship than a look at the artistic process or musical collaboration, and perhaps in straddling both themes, it lacks some cohesion. Still, there is plenty of entertaining silliness to share, particularly in Cordell's (Another Brother, 2012) pencil-and-watercolor cityscapes, expressive animal characters, and droll urban details, including a cockroach bellhop, a cutaway view of Rat's basement duplex, and the crowd of nocturnal city slickers enjoying ice cream and the late-night jazz show" (Booklist).
Although there was a chaotic storyline, there were fun moments and great artwork. Maybe a book doesn't always have to be about the plot as long as there are other redeeming factors like the artwork, humor, and syntax.
"Jennings' breezy story is more a celebration of friendship than a look at the artistic process or musical collaboration, and perhaps in straddling both themes, it lacks some cohesion. Still, there is plenty of entertaining silliness to share, particularly in Cordell's (Another Brother, 2012) pencil-and-watercolor cityscapes, expressive animal characters, and droll urban details, including a cockroach bellhop, a cutaway view of Rat's basement duplex, and the crowd of nocturnal city slickers enjoying ice cream and the late-night jazz show" (Booklist).
Although there was a chaotic storyline, there were fun moments and great artwork. Maybe a book doesn't always have to be about the plot as long as there are other redeeming factors like the artwork, humor, and syntax.
Age: Toddler - Kindergarten
"Home isn't just where the heart is. Home is often where the dog is. And for this loyal dog--who you will recognize if you have ever loved a dog--home is where you are" (Goodreads feature review).
What a sweet, sweet tale of an old dog enjoying his simple, relaxed life next to the beach. Accompanied with lovely beach colors. Good for letting kids know that it's okay to let their old dogs be.
"Home isn't just where the heart is. Home is often where the dog is. And for this loyal dog--who you will recognize if you have ever loved a dog--home is where you are" (Goodreads feature review).
What a sweet, sweet tale of an old dog enjoying his simple, relaxed life next to the beach. Accompanied with lovely beach colors. Good for letting kids know that it's okay to let their old dogs be.
Age: 9th-12th grade
"Nature is out of balance in the human world. The sun hasn't shone in years, and crops are failing. Worse yet, strange and hostile creatures have begun to appear. The people's survival hangs in the balance" (goodreads feature review).
Kaede and Taisin struggle with restless adventure, death, and emerging love on a journey which no other person has taken and returned alive.
Lo has a beautiful way with words and captivating plot movements that kept me entranced through both novels. A prequel to Ash, Huntress mixed reluctant, inescapable romance and fantasy with philosophical musings on war and killing. The ending was extremely rushed and the final battle lasted very few pages (not suggested for the tactics/battle hungry readers) although the concept was unique (Taisin battles the queens daughter through Kaede's mind) I'm not sure why Kaede was not killed by the overly judgmental unicorn. She also randomly becomes the huntress even though she has had trouble killing throughout the book.
A lot of great ideas but not enough time to share them all in enough detail--but a well-written story.
"Nature is out of balance in the human world. The sun hasn't shone in years, and crops are failing. Worse yet, strange and hostile creatures have begun to appear. The people's survival hangs in the balance" (goodreads feature review).
Kaede and Taisin struggle with restless adventure, death, and emerging love on a journey which no other person has taken and returned alive.
Lo has a beautiful way with words and captivating plot movements that kept me entranced through both novels. A prequel to Ash, Huntress mixed reluctant, inescapable romance and fantasy with philosophical musings on war and killing. The ending was extremely rushed and the final battle lasted very few pages (not suggested for the tactics/battle hungry readers) although the concept was unique (Taisin battles the queens daughter through Kaede's mind) I'm not sure why Kaede was not killed by the overly judgmental unicorn. She also randomly becomes the huntress even though she has had trouble killing throughout the book.
A lot of great ideas but not enough time to share them all in enough detail--but a well-written story.
Age: Middle School
Historical time period: Vietnam
"Okay For Now, his latest novel, explores another seemingly improbable alliance, this one between new outsider in town Doug Swieteck and Lil Spicer, the savvy spitfire daughter of his deli owner boss. With her challenging assistance, Doug discovers new sides of himself. Along the way, he also readjusts his relationship with his abusive father, his school peers, and his older brother, a newly returned war victim of Vietnam" (Goodreads feature review).
This novel provides a swirling mix of pubescent sarcasm, being a newcomer in a small town, emerging artistic participation (drawing Audubon birds, acting onstage), tough veteran reintroduction, young love, being outcast as a result of family ties, admiring an athletic hero (Yankees' Joe Pepitone), and an unexpected onset of cancer. Although my only concern was too much drama packed in to one story, this was an exciting, funny, brilliant lesson on embracing your talents and carpe dieming the shiz outta life.
Although originally I gave this 4 stars, I added one more for the spectacular writing of Schmidt, especially the oddly satisfying ending. Even though Liz is still in the hospital, all is "okay for now." Furthermore, Schmidt excels at layering the storyline (especially the integration of Audubon birds) and connecting everything into one cohesive whole. His characters are completely believable. Even though Doug grew up in an abusive household and is sarcastic to the T, his romance is believable because he loves his mother and oftentimes regrets his awkward affrontedness.
Not a good e-read due to the bird pictures (hard to scroll back and forth between pages)
Historical time period: Vietnam
"Okay For Now, his latest novel, explores another seemingly improbable alliance, this one between new outsider in town Doug Swieteck and Lil Spicer, the savvy spitfire daughter of his deli owner boss. With her challenging assistance, Doug discovers new sides of himself. Along the way, he also readjusts his relationship with his abusive father, his school peers, and his older brother, a newly returned war victim of Vietnam" (Goodreads feature review).
This novel provides a swirling mix of pubescent sarcasm, being a newcomer in a small town, emerging artistic participation (drawing Audubon birds, acting onstage), tough veteran reintroduction, young love, being outcast as a result of family ties, admiring an athletic hero (Yankees' Joe Pepitone), and an unexpected onset of cancer. Although my only concern was too much drama packed in to one story, this was an exciting, funny, brilliant lesson on embracing your talents and carpe dieming the shiz outta life.
Although originally I gave this 4 stars, I added one more for the spectacular writing of Schmidt, especially the oddly satisfying ending. Even though Liz is still in the hospital, all is "okay for now." Furthermore, Schmidt excels at layering the storyline (especially the integration of Audubon birds) and connecting everything into one cohesive whole. His characters are completely believable. Even though Doug grew up in an abusive household and is sarcastic to the T, his romance is believable because he loves his mother and oftentimes regrets his awkward affrontedness.
Not a good e-read due to the bird pictures (hard to scroll back and forth between pages)
"Melinda Sordino busted an end-of-summer party by calling the cops. Now her old friends won't talk to her, and people she doesn't even know hate her from a distance. The safest place to be is alone, inside her own head. But even that's not safe. Because there's something she's trying not to think about, something about the night of the party that, if she let it in, would blow her carefully constructed disguise to smithereens. And then she would have to speak the truth" (Goodreads feature review).
An honest portrayal of a rape victim's silence and depression and a teenager's fear of being outcast. Perhaps Anderson's greatest achievement is Melanie's frustration with the world and herself, causing her to ignore it and try to escape it. Even though she believes that silence will protect her from her torment, it is the silence that eats away. This book is also beneficial for tweens, teens, and adults that haven't experienced such trauma. Even though her grades are dropping, she is not a delinquent and she is not dumb. Although written 13 years ago, there are no dated cultural references and the topic is still prevalent.
An honest portrayal of a rape victim's silence and depression and a teenager's fear of being outcast. Perhaps Anderson's greatest achievement is Melanie's frustration with the world and herself, causing her to ignore it and try to escape it. Even though she believes that silence will protect her from her torment, it is the silence that eats away. This book is also beneficial for tweens, teens, and adults that haven't experienced such trauma. Even though her grades are dropping, she is not a delinquent and she is not dumb. Although written 13 years ago, there are no dated cultural references and the topic is still prevalent.
Age: 3rd-6th grade
When Mibs' thirteenth birthday arrives, she is greeted with an unexpected adventure when she must get to the hospital where her father is being held after a horrible car accident. She doesn't think that the beaten up school bus/delivery truck that her siblings and neighbors sneak onto will head in the opposite direction of the hospital. Mibs doesn't anticipate her emergence from a little girl to a teenager when her neighbor and fellow companion makes sweet gestures of interest towards her. But there is one thing that Mibs does expect to happen where many others may not: the emergence of her savvy--a superhuman unique trait.
This book deals with self-consciousness and -acceptance, family tragedy caused by a sudden trauma, and the unexpected questions that growing up brings into one's life. Written with a wonderful sense of flair (including an array of made-up words), Law provides a fantastical story that takes place in a boring setting in the middle of nowhere but focuses more on the relationships garnered by Mibs and the self-realization that she develops through them.
When Mibs' thirteenth birthday arrives, she is greeted with an unexpected adventure when she must get to the hospital where her father is being held after a horrible car accident. She doesn't think that the beaten up school bus/delivery truck that her siblings and neighbors sneak onto will head in the opposite direction of the hospital. Mibs doesn't anticipate her emergence from a little girl to a teenager when her neighbor and fellow companion makes sweet gestures of interest towards her. But there is one thing that Mibs does expect to happen where many others may not: the emergence of her savvy--a superhuman unique trait.
This book deals with self-consciousness and -acceptance, family tragedy caused by a sudden trauma, and the unexpected questions that growing up brings into one's life. Written with a wonderful sense of flair (including an array of made-up words), Law provides a fantastical story that takes place in a boring setting in the middle of nowhere but focuses more on the relationships garnered by Mibs and the self-realization that she develops through them.
Age: K - 2
"Violet has always imagined ruling a kingdom with sharp claws and velvet paws, so when she is adopted and goes to live with two dogs, she immediately takes over with a Meowww! Hisssss! and Spat! Poor George and Zippity try to befriend Violet, but they get nowhere. One afternoon, while her new family is out fishing, Violet is awakened by some stray dogs who chase poor Violet into a corner. Luckily, George and Zippity arrive home just in time to help" (Goodreads feature review).
Motion-filled artwork capture the uptight pomp of Miss Priss Violet. Although I was confused when the family appeared on a boat (there was no picture of them leaving and a brief mention), I love the animal sounds (perfect for reading aloud), the artwork, and the topic--how to deal with a new family member from the pound who is less than ideal.
"Violet has always imagined ruling a kingdom with sharp claws and velvet paws, so when she is adopted and goes to live with two dogs, she immediately takes over with a Meowww! Hisssss! and Spat! Poor George and Zippity try to befriend Violet, but they get nowhere. One afternoon, while her new family is out fishing, Violet is awakened by some stray dogs who chase poor Violet into a corner. Luckily, George and Zippity arrive home just in time to help" (Goodreads feature review).
Motion-filled artwork capture the uptight pomp of Miss Priss Violet. Although I was confused when the family appeared on a boat (there was no picture of them leaving and a brief mention), I love the animal sounds (perfect for reading aloud), the artwork, and the topic--how to deal with a new family member from the pound who is less than ideal.
Age: K - 3rd grade
"Freckleface Strawberry and Windy Pants Patrick are as different as can be-but that doesn't stop them from being the best of friends. After all, they have a lot of important things in common, like having families and liking recess and loving books. But the rest of the kids don't see it that way. They think that girls and boys are just too different to be friends. So one day, Freckleface decides NOT to play with Windy Pants Patrick. And he decides not to play with her. And nothing really changes . . . or does it? She still eats lunch and plays and reads books-and so does he. So why don't those things feel fun anymore?" (Goodreads feature review).
An honest portrayal of a friendship duo, both unique and similar in endearing ways. Comic-like presentation with speech bubbles.
"Freckleface Strawberry and Windy Pants Patrick are as different as can be-but that doesn't stop them from being the best of friends. After all, they have a lot of important things in common, like having families and liking recess and loving books. But the rest of the kids don't see it that way. They think that girls and boys are just too different to be friends. So one day, Freckleface decides NOT to play with Windy Pants Patrick. And he decides not to play with her. And nothing really changes . . . or does it? She still eats lunch and plays and reads books-and so does he. So why don't those things feel fun anymore?" (Goodreads feature review).
An honest portrayal of a friendship duo, both unique and similar in endearing ways. Comic-like presentation with speech bubbles.
Age: K - 2nd grade
"Doubles are good for lots of things--double scoops of ice cream, double features at the movies. But double vision is NOT a good kind of double. In fact, it can make kindergarten kind of hard. Ginny sees double chairs at reading circle and double words in her books. She knows that only half of what she sees is real, but which half? The solution to her problem is wondrously simple: an eye patch Ginny becomes the pirate of kindergarten.With the help of her pirate patch, Ginny can read, run, and even snip her scissors with double the speed" (Goodreads feature review).
The pictures are bold, colorful, and a bit dizzying--quite appropriate for the storyline. A lot of time was spent before Ginny was diagnosed, perhaps too much time.
"Doubles are good for lots of things--double scoops of ice cream, double features at the movies. But double vision is NOT a good kind of double. In fact, it can make kindergarten kind of hard. Ginny sees double chairs at reading circle and double words in her books. She knows that only half of what she sees is real, but which half? The solution to her problem is wondrously simple: an eye patch Ginny becomes the pirate of kindergarten.With the help of her pirate patch, Ginny can read, run, and even snip her scissors with double the speed" (Goodreads feature review).
The pictures are bold, colorful, and a bit dizzying--quite appropriate for the storyline. A lot of time was spent before Ginny was diagnosed, perhaps too much time.