Let's just lay it out flat, much like the plot of this book: I didn't like this book. I was very much annoyed by the fat jokes and focus on popularity and image. I couldn't stand it past 100 pages for personal reasons. It was nice to read a book with a protagonist that wasn't a loser/recluse but I just couldn't read any more of the frivolous, self-centered comments of the main characters.

That being said, I suppose I can see the book as a tool to re-engage teens back into reading. The topic is relatable and it has a unique set of characters (different from other books). It is definitely a controversial book, though, with the graphic sex scenes (very similar to romance novels), negative treatment of teenagers' images (hailing beauty, making fun of unusual features), and sex between high school teacher and student.

I'm still torn about this book, though. I don't mean to put my granny pants on, but I feel like it may encourage destructive behaviors because they're glorified in the book. It may fixate an uninterested reader only in this type of literature (Gossip Girl, romance novels). But, the act of reading is oftentimes better than nothing at all, I suppose.

Age: Junior HS to College

I have loved every Levithan book until this little number crossed my way. While I did love that every chapter/section/piece's title went from A-Z, which would be a neat way to expand a teen's vocabulary, I did not enjoy the unlovable characters and the plot that seemed to spin in circles while revealing too much too soon and, at the same time, too little too late. It was confusing, uninteresting, and I kept wishing that it were going to get better. The ending was even a complete drag because it didn't resolve anything. Perhaps it was a symbolic representation of the relationship but it was too much emotion without the characters to connect it to.

Age: K-5th grade
Media: acrylic

Simple pictures help convey a simple yet crucial message to youngsters: be unique, be courageous, be you.

Age: 6th-11th

Positives: Eye-catching graphics, easy to understand organization of content, funny, spark to get kids interested in books, good for girls and boys, resources for further interest

To take note: quick read, magazine appeal

Age: 6th-11th grade

Positives: Addresses boys and girls, eye-catching graphics, provides more sources for further interest, funny
Negatives: Misrepresentation of voodoo/Haitian beliefs/history

Things to note: magazine format, quick read

Age: 5-9
Media: Watercolor and ink
Award: E. B. White Read Aloud

Molly the librarian accidentally parks the bookmobile in the zoo and the animals soon delight in the joys of reading with the enthusiastic support of their librarian. They even end up opening a branch library!

Lovely for reading aloud and discussing the library's many features. The rhyming allows a pleasant flow but the cadence should be avoided in order to focus on the words rather than the rhythm.

Age: 4-7
Media: Watercolor
Award: E. B. Read Aloud

Bear receives Mouse, an unexpected visitor, for the night and Bear's grouchy, controlling attitude has trouble adjusting to the night time noises of Mouse. When Bear hears an unfamiliar noise, it is Mouse who checks under the bed, checks behind the curtains, and listens to a story to comfort Bear. A lovely friendship between two unlikely pals.

Wonderful to read aloud, especially with the various sized words to express loudness or softness which accompany the pictures. The reliance of Bear on Mouse is cute, especially when Bear tries to play it off like Mouse is the scared one, which Mouse easily goes along with.