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2.59k reviews by:
librarybonanza
Age: High School
State: Arkansas
I enjoy reading YA literature for its originality in plot and setting, or its humor, or its suspense. Rarely do I read YA lit where the themes or overall purpose are not entirely evident or explained (The Book Thief comes to mind). In other words, very significant features are left up to the interpretation of the reader. The reader is forced to examine the book's literary devices and philosophical predicaments in order to derive the true meaning. This practice is like crack for English literature buffs.
Where Things Come Back accomplishes all these feats, including the typical YA features. The novel looks at fate and destiny, and questions if there is room for second chances--and humankind's obsession with second chances. This obsession is insurmountable because we are so focused on the search that we miss the answers. Where Things Come Back settles perfectly as an award winner because it has depth that goes beyond a teen's troubled life, and really approaches these complex questions.
Amidst all this analysis, Whaley deploys suspense by providing two very different story lines that eventually merge. So good!
Song lyrics on page 102 = Sufjan Stevens "Chicago"
State: Arkansas
I enjoy reading YA literature for its originality in plot and setting, or its humor, or its suspense. Rarely do I read YA lit where the themes or overall purpose are not entirely evident or explained (The Book Thief comes to mind). In other words, very significant features are left up to the interpretation of the reader. The reader is forced to examine the book's literary devices and philosophical predicaments in order to derive the true meaning. This practice is like crack for English literature buffs.
Where Things Come Back accomplishes all these feats, including the typical YA features. The novel looks at fate and destiny, and questions if there is room for second chances--and humankind's obsession with second chances. This obsession is insurmountable because we are so focused on the search that we miss the answers. Where Things Come Back settles perfectly as an award winner because it has depth that goes beyond a teen's troubled life, and really approaches these complex questions.
Amidst all this analysis, Whaley deploys suspense by providing two very different story lines that eventually merge. So good!
Song lyrics on page 102 = Sufjan Stevens "Chicago"
Age: K+
Family: Love between child and parent
This would absolutely make an excellent present for a lov-er, but the rhythm is well suited for a child. Very, very sweet without being sugar overload.
Family: Love between child and parent
This would absolutely make an excellent present for a lov-er, but the rhythm is well suited for a child. Very, very sweet without being sugar overload.
Age: Preschool-1st grade
Although the simple text, and the baby in the buggy, is more suited for a younger audience, the rich and hectic pictures are more suited for older eyes that can take it all in and sort out the details.
Although the simple text, and the baby in the buggy, is more suited for a younger audience, the rich and hectic pictures are more suited for older eyes that can take it all in and sort out the details.
Age: Preschool-Kindergarten
Place: Library
The writing has a lovely, poetic flow without needing to rhyme. But where are these children's parents? Just sayin'.
Place: Library
The writing has a lovely, poetic flow without needing to rhyme. But where are these children's parents? Just sayin'.
Age: Preschool+
I personally liked the illustrations but this book would definitely fit into the parental label of "wordless picture books I hate to share with my child because I have no idea what's going on and can't answer any of their questions." Most parents are so acclimated to picture books with a plot that their determined search will only end in frustration. It is a little bizarre that it is called "the island" instead of "islands" when the polar bear is swimming to each distinct island. Try and explain that abstract concept to your 5-year-old.
If parents are willing to accept that this book has no plot and that it's more of a "look where polar bear is visiting now!" book then it can be a successful "read." Also, it would be delightful to have children guess what each ambiguous structure is.
I personally liked the illustrations but this book would definitely fit into the parental label of "wordless picture books I hate to share with my child because I have no idea what's going on and can't answer any of their questions." Most parents are so acclimated to picture books with a plot that their determined search will only end in frustration. It is a little bizarre that it is called "the island" instead of "islands" when the polar bear is swimming to each distinct island. Try and explain that abstract concept to your 5-year-old.
If parents are willing to accept that this book has no plot and that it's more of a "look where polar bear is visiting now!" book then it can be a successful "read." Also, it would be delightful to have children guess what each ambiguous structure is.
Age: Preschool+
Animals: Cats
These two cats do not like each other. Not one little bit. The secret behind their hatred? Jealousy. Red cat is agile and fast while blue cat is smart and cunning. And each secretly want to be like the other. What steps will they take to accomplish this?
A nice addition to pet stories because there are two pets living side-by-side, and not very pleasantly--something sure to relate to.
Animals: Cats
These two cats do not like each other. Not one little bit. The secret behind their hatred? Jealousy. Red cat is agile and fast while blue cat is smart and cunning. And each secretly want to be like the other. What steps will they take to accomplish this?
A nice addition to pet stories because there are two pets living side-by-side, and not very pleasantly--something sure to relate to.
Age: Preschool+
Family: Siblings
Perfect for a big family, Massini has a smooth style of writing with attention to detail and repetition that isn't too overwhelming. I would have glombed to this book as a child.
Family: Siblings
Perfect for a big family, Massini has a smooth style of writing with attention to detail and repetition that isn't too overwhelming. I would have glombed to this book as a child.