libscote's Reviews (6.4k)

Carlos and Tariq want to turn the yard of an abandoned building into a safe secret hang-out spot for them. While cleaning it up, they find a mysterious bird hanging out there! As they try to learn more about the bird, their secret hide-out is known by more people, including a local gang. Will they learn to stand up to the bullies to protect the bird and their spot? A great beginning reader for kids, especially those in more urban neighborhoods.

Following up on the Avatar show!

Excellent beginning, the projects mentioned weren't the ones I'd like to do first. I wonder if I'm too picky about these kinds of books.

Went over well with my audience. 

Lots of interesting tips, but not exactly what I was looking for.

Lucas recently lost his brother, and his mom disappeared. He lives with his dad, who is isn't especially close to, and now has to go to afterschool care as a sixth grader. This is where he meets his first friends, and after playing a game called Sardines, they start to reveal secrets to each other and help them come true. Lucas doesn't want to reveal his, because he doesn't think they can make it come true. And why doesn't Finn, who is sort of the ringleader, want to reveal his either? 

I liked this one a lot. It does deal with some heavy topics (bullying, parental neglect, death of a loved one, foster care) but it's done appropriately. I liked it.

A little more technical than I wanted and didn't cover the exact things I was looking for.

A look at the impact of domestic abuse through the eyes of a child. It's rooted in the author's lived experience (although not an autobiography) and explains the impact on the child. I also loved reading how Lacey and her family started to heal, and how even though they had some setbacks, they were on their way to after. 

Maren is going to theater camp this summer even though theater is really more of her sister's thing. Something has happened to her sister though, and it seems to be taking up most of the energy of her divorced parents. She's feeling alone. Slowly she befriends her nonbinary bunkmate Theo, and learns about a mystery involving a ring and a former owner of the theater. Maren also learns that the theater has something to offer her as well, whether she wants to be on stage or off. I like the way this book weaves in Shakespeare and a mystery and dealing with family dynamics. 

Daisy Woodward loves bugs and her brother Sorrel (often called Squirrel). Her parents have less time for the family after her mom was laid off and is now trying to start a new business called 'Poop Fairies' (so embarrassing). When a teacher challenges her class to do a project that will help them change the world, Daisy wants to bring Sorrel's dream of being a YouTube celebrity to life. However, he had been cyber-bullied before over his appearance (Down's Syndrome), and Daisy's parents are adamant about him not being on social media. Can Daisy convince them to let Sorrel follow his dreams?

Daisy is a wonderful protagonist, true to herself, a little prickly, filled with love. I loved seeing her work with her brother and his friends, and to learn about herself and her family in the process.