152. Monet's Cat

Monet's Cat. Lily Murray. Illustrated by Becky Cameron. 2020. [May] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Monet was a famous painter with a magic cat. Her name was Chika. She was made of delicate pottery, and lay on a cushion, cool and still, until...Monet tapped her three times with his paintbrush. Then Chika came alive!

Premise/plot: Chika and Monet have lovely adventures together by visiting the paintings in the museum--literally. The two can hop in and out of the artwork! Of course, Chika may be having a bit more fun than Monet--who is chasing her! How much trouble can one cat be?

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I liked it. I do like French impressionists. It's playful and art appreciation all at the same time.

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

151. A Walk in the Words

A Walk in the Words. Hudson Talbott. 2021. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Drawing always came naturally to me. I drew all the time. I just did it, like breathing.

Premise/plot: Hudson Talbott shares his own story--one that perhaps many, many children (and adults) can relate to--of how learning to read and actually reading was difficult for him. He contrasts his experiences with words with his experiences drawing. He describes his experiences with great detail and imagery--making use of art. The picture book is very visual. "A whole page of text looked like a wall--keeping me out." What he realized is that both art and text can tell stories--great, wonderful, marvelous, amazing stories worth experiencing.

While reading felt overwhelming and exhausting, his approach was practical and ultimately inspiring. "I grabbed overwhelm and broke off over so it just said whelm. It meant the same thing but was more my size. Now I could whelm the words before they overwhelmed me. I'd just read at my own pace. After all, it was my walk in the words. I took time to look for words that I knew. There they were! Like stepping stones leading me onward."

My thoughts: I loved the art. It was so visual, so essential, so fundamental to the story. I loved the text. The story is ultimately a love song to stories...to storytellers...to books. I would recommend it to teachers and parents especially.

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

150. Dear Beast: Someone Is Missing

Someone Is Missing (Dear Beast #3) Dori Hillestad Butler. Illustrated by Kevan Atteberry. 2021. [September] 80 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Dear Beast, It has come to my attention that something is bothering Andy.

Premise/plot: Someone is Missing is the third title (I believe) in Dori Hillestad Butler's Dear Beast series for young readers. The books consist of letters--mainly between Simon, a black cat, and Baxter, a dog. (Simon calls Baxter, "Beast.") Both love, love, love their human (boy), Andy. In this one, Andy is sad, sad, super-sad that the classroom pet has gone completely missing. Can Simon solve the mystery of what happened to Louie??? (Louie is a leopard gecko). Can he do it on his own???? Or will it take a "village" of animals working together???

My thoughts: I have not read the previous books in the series. (I do have them on hold at the library). I enjoyed this one. I do think it would have made slightly more sense if I'd read the books in order. But overall, I enjoyed it enough to WANT to read the previous books. I think the books are silly and fun.

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

149. I Survived the Galveston Hurricane, 1900

I Survived the Galveston Hurricane, 1900. (I Survived #21) Lauren Tarshis. 2021. [September] 144 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Noooooooo! A powerful blast of wind grabbed hold of eleven-year-old Charlie Miller and threw him into the raging flood.

Premise/plot: This title is the newest in Lauren Tarshis' ever-popular I Survived Series. Charlie Miller lives with his family on Galveston Island. He loves his family, loves learning magic, HATES being bullied. (Gordon Potts is one reason why he's not looking forward to starting school again.) But life on the island is about to go topsy-turvy.

My thoughts: I have read a couple of adult titles on the Galveston Hurricane of 1900. I have found them fascinating, disturbing, compelling. While the complexities of the story are tamed down considerably for this children's book, it is still a good read. The majority opinion on the island at that time--and in at least some "scientific" circles was that a hurricane could not happen there. That Galveston was safe--as is. That no evacuation would be necessary. It sounds so silly, so presumptuous with hindsight, doesn't it?!?!

I liked this addition to the series.

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

148. Jazz for Lunch

Jazz for Lunch! Jarrett Dapier. Illustrated by Eugenia Mello. 2021. [September] 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Struttin' with Auntie Nina
down to a club,
We're gonna hear some music
and then eat some grub.

Premise/plot: Jazz for Lunch! celebrates jazz music, food, and family. Auntie Nina and her nephew have a special relationship. She shares her love for cooking and her love for JAZZ with her young nephew...teaching him both how to cook and how to appreciate jazz.

This book--entirely written in rhyme--starts with the two going to a jazz club. But it also has the two going to her place to cook a great meal (while listening to jazz).

Jazz for LUNCH!
The beats got SOUL!
Jazz for LUNCH!
Ham on a ROLL!
Jazz for LUNCH!
The tunes got swing!
Jazz for LUNCH!
Shout, dance, and sing!

(Jazz for lunch being the refrain carried throughout the picture book.)

My thoughts: This book celebrates so many things. Yet it never seems too busy. It feels natural--right. The end papers--if you pay close attention--can serve as an introduction to readers of all ages of some jazz legends.

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

147. Board book: What Do You See?

What Do You See? Sarah N. Harvey. Illustrated by Jane Heinrichs. 2021. [September] 22 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: What do you see when you lie on your back? A lion. A monkey. A train on a track.

Premise/plot: What Do You See? is a board book for little ones. Every spread asks the question--what do you see? It's meant to be from a young toddler's perspective. Readers also notice--though the text never calls attention to it--that there is an older brother and a new sibling on the way. (And from the looks of things, they will all be sharing a room together! In fact, it looks as if he's transitioning from the crib at the beginning of the story to a bottom bunk bed (with guards) by the end of the story.)

My thoughts: I liked it okay. It is one of the books that 'celebrates' the ordinary moments of family life. Dare I say it more mundane moments of life? These are moments that life is made of--and there is something precious in them that you rarely appreciate in the moment. These are the moments that you almost always take for granted.

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

146. The Singer and the Scientist

The Singer and the Scientist. Lisa Rose. Illustrated by Isabel Munoz. 2021. [April] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Peeling back the velvet curtain, Marian peeked out at the chatting audience.

Premise/plot: Set in 1937 in New Jersey, The Singer and the Scientist tells the story of the friendship between Marian Anderson (the singer) and Albert Einstein (the scientist). After her performance, Marian is troubled to learn that she won't be allowed to stay at the local nearby hotel--it's a whites-only hotel, no exceptions. Einstein, who was in the audience, overhears invites her to stay at his own home in a guest room. The two become friends and learn that they share many things in common.

My thoughts: What a great picture book! I loved the narrative. I loved the illustrations. It was just beautifully done.

Quote:

His voice boomed loudly as he explained that the Nassau was a whites only hotel. All the talking in the lobby ceased. Everyone looked at Marion, but not as a star. Not even as a person.

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

145. Narwhal Unicorn of the Sea

Narwhal Unicorn of the Sea (Narwhal and Jelly #1) Ben Clanton. 2016. 64 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: One day when Narwhal was out for a swim, he found himself in new waters.

Premise/plot: Narwhal and Jelly is a graphic novel series for younger readers. In this first book, our two protagonists meet--Narwhal and Jelly. (Jelly is a jellyfish. Narwhal is a narwhal.) These two don't know quite what to make of each other--at first. Is Jelly imagining Narwhal? Is Narwhal imagining Jelly? Is Jelly imagining Narwhal imagining him? These two become fast friends and have time for a few adventures together. In one adventure, Narwhal sets out to "find" his pod. It's really a pod of his own making--he passes out horns like they were candy. Everyone wants in his pod! (Including Jelly). Another adventure has the two "reading" a blank book and imagining the story within.

My thoughts: The book was simple, silly, fun. I can see why kids would enjoy this. I liked it. I would definitely be interested in reading more of this series as time allows.

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

144. The Gilded Girl

The Gilded Girl. Alyssa Colman. 2021. 352 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Izzy watched through a crack in the door as the young ladies in the parlor burst into flame.

Premise/plot: The Gilded Girl is a retelling of The Little Princess set in New York City in 1906/1907. Emma Harris, one of our heroines, plays the role of the 'spoiled' little rich girl. (She's not spoiled. Emma Harris even before the fall that everyone knows is coming has a heart of pure gold.) Izzy, our other heroine, is a servant at the school. 

The school is where the book perhaps takes the most liberties. For this isn't just any elite boarding school, it is Miss Posterity's Academy for Practical Magic. She teaches wealthy young girls how to do magic, how to prepare for the Kindling Ceremony and the Kindling Winds that blow every December. Those whose magic is kindled can become licensed magicians. Magic is only for the wealthiest, most prestigious classes of society. Otherwise one's magic is snuffed out at age 12. 

Izzy has magic--though a servant--and she does not want it snuffed out. Emma is forced into servitude. She also doesn't want to lose her magic. These two work together as servants and secret students to see if they can hold onto their magic despite their poverty.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one very much. The intended audience for this one were born probably between 2008 and 2012. Today's generation may or may not be familiar with the story of The Little Princess. Most probably wouldn't have read the original. Some may have seen it adapted for film. It is not labeled by the back copy (jacket copy) as being a retelling of The Little Princess. I am curious if this was intentional. Because it is glaringly apparent if you're an adult that this is without a doubt The Little Princess newly adorned.

I think my favorite part of The Gilded Girl was the "house dragon" (aka the black cat pictured on the cover) named FIGGY PUDDING.

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

143. Raised in a Barn

Raised in a Barn. (Good Dog #2) Cam Higgins. Illustrated by Ariel Landy. 2020. [December] 128 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: The sky was a clear blue.

Premise/plot: Bo loves playing with Comet the new colt on the Davis farm. Comet loves playing with Bo. These two--though different--have quite a good time together. But silly Bo, well, he decides it is HIS job to teach Comet how to be a horse!!! The results aren't that great. This chapter book has a few adventures and misadventures with this pair.

My thoughts: I liked this one. I definitely liked the first one better. But I think that's just how it may be with this series books. I can see that some titles I may especially like, and others maybe not as well. Still, Bo is super cute and adorable. I think the series would make a lovely addition in homes and libraries.

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

142. Happily For Now

Happily for Now. Kelly Jones. Illustrated by Kelly Murphy. 2021. [May] 288 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: THINGS ARE A lot simpler in fairy tales. I mean, when you read about some girl going around covered in ashes who gets treated way worse than her stepsisters, it’s pretty clear somebody should get that girl some help. Then again, who knows what she thought when she woke up every morning? Maybe she thought, Well, things could be better, but they could be a lot worse, too. (Trust me, they could—and in lots of fairy tales they are. If you’ve ever read the original versions, you know they get gruesome fast.) Maybe she was glad her stepmother was bugging her stepsisters instead of her about what they wore or why they didn’t go out and find someone rich to marry. Maybe she was okay with doing her own thing.You get used to what’s normal for you.

Premise/plot: Fiona may not "want" to go stay with distant relations while her mother seeks treatment, but, sometimes you don't always get what you want, you get what you need. So Fiona finds herself heading to the farm to live with Great Aunt Alta, Aunt Becky, and Great Uncle Timothy. (Aunt Becky and Uncle Timothy manage the family's bakery.)

Fiona is a fairy god-person in training. (That's how she copes with what life throws at her.) And she's determined to be a fairy god-person in her new situation. She has a feeling that her relations definitely need some help and intervention....and it turns out they do. Now whether Fiona's wish-granting goes off according to anyone's plans...well...that's up for debate.

But life will never be the same after Fiona comes to town.

My thoughts: I really LOVED this one. I thought it was a great read. I enjoyed the characterization so much. I loved meeting the extended family--flaws and all. I loved getting to know all the people in the community. When well done--like this one is--a wide cast of characters is such a delight.

Quotes:

I thought about the questions Ms. Davis and I liked to talk about, and picked a good one. “What’s your favorite kind of cookie?”

See, a question like that seems like no big deal, so it doesn’t make you nervous. You can’t get it wrong. But cookies can tell you a lot about a person. For instance, my favorites are oatmeal with chocolate chips. Ms. Davis says they’re a lot like me: you might not notice right away that they’re something special, but once you do, you’ll never make that mistake again. Ms. Davis’s favorites are these spicy molasses cookies she makes. She says they’re just like her: they keep getting better with age, and people always remember them. Great-Uncle Timothy didn’t say anything. Maybe he needed to think about it, or maybe he was still feeling shy around me. Or maybe he just didn’t like to talk that much.

FAIRY-GODPERSON TRAINING: LESSON 1

Find someone who seems unhappy.

Observe what’s really going on.

Encourage them to make one small change.

FAIRY-GODPERSON TRAINING: LESSON 2

Find a situation you don’t feel good about.

Discover your truth—what you really think, not what someone else thinks you should think.

Speak your truth. You might tell it to the person in the situation. Or you might find someone else to tell—someone you trust who might be able to help. Or someone you could ask for advice.

Observe what happens when you wield the power of your truth. It might not be what you think will happen. But you can still learn something from it.

 

FAIRY-GODPERSON TRAINING: LESSON 3

Figure out something you want to do. Something for you, not for anybody else.

Make a plan to help yourself do it. Tell a buddy or a helper about your plan. Ask them to cheer you on and keep you accountable, so you’ll actually do it. It’s easy to shove your own plan aside to help someone else if no one’s there to remind you.

Put your plan into action. Think about what works, and what could work better. What’s harder than you expected? What’s easier?

You can use what you learn when you help others. Where do you think that person might get stuck? Maybe someone could cheer them on, too.

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

141. Home Is Where The Heart Is (Good Dog #1)

Good Dog: Home Is Where The Heart Is (Good Dog #1) Cam Higgins. Illustrated by Ariel Landy. 2020. [December] 128 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Mud. Is there anything better than the cool feeling of it against your fur or the way it squishy-oozes between your paws?

Premise/plot: BO is the GOOD DOG (of which the title speaks). Bo has a fabulous life on the farm. He loves his parents (Jennica and Darnell) and his siblings (Imani and Wyatt). He loves all the animals on the farm; he even tolerates the two barn cats, King and Diva. Yes, life is GOOD--just about perfect. But on this perfectly, perfect day which starts out with Bo playing with his friend Zonks (a pig) in the mud, well, it ends with his dog tag turning up missing! Can he retrace his steps and find his special tag?

My thoughts: Bo is cute and adorable, super precious, irresistible. The mystery to solve is light, but who cares when the dog is so sweet, so cute, so lovable??? This is the first book in a new series of early chapter books. The book is heavily illustrated. But I'm not complaining, BO and the others on the farm (including his human family) are adorable.

I liked this one very much. I am definitely going to be seeking out the other books in this series. I want to say there are six books now!!! Would recommend for younger grades in elementary...especially for dog lovers.

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

140. The Longest Storm

The Longest Storm. Dan Yaccarino. 2021. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: A storm came to our town. It was unlike any storm we'd ever seen. No one knew how long it would last. We were going to have to stay inside, maybe for a long while.

Premise/plot: A father and his children struggle with all the many, many uncertainties of being house-bound for a long, long, long, LONG, long, long, long time. The illustrations and text tell the story of their emotional roller-coaster-like journey. It isn't so much what is going on outside the house in the midst of the storm as what is going on mentally and emotionally within the house.

 My thoughts: The Longest Storm could definitely be a picture book for those aged 9 to 99. It is an abstract picture book in some ways. You could easily say it was about mental health or the importance of having coping strategies in place OR you could focus more on the relationships. You can love someone without *liking* them all that much. And relationships can have very tense moments that build and build. Life happens. There are BIG emotions. But the book also shows the importance of being kind and intentional. After all having BIG emotions doesn't make you a villain.

For those wondering...it does have a happily ever after ending tacked on at the end. This makes sense in some ways. Who wants to end a book in the middle of the storm when everything is still so unknown and uncertain? Even though in real life, the transitions from beginning, middle, and end aren't so precise and exact. When you're going through the big storms in life, it would be nice if you could just turn a page and suddenly everything be all brand new and ready to go...but life isn't like that.

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

139. Negative Cat

Negative Cat. Sophie Blackall. 2021. [August] 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: On day 427 of asking for a cat...my parents finally give in.

Premise/plot: The boy who stars in this story has been BEGGING his parents for a cat. (426 off-screen days of begging for a cat. I can sure relate!) When his parents do say yes, there are a few conditions. He has to keep his room clean--or cleaner. He has to read for twenty minutes a day...at least. And he has to do a better job of keeping in touch with his Grandma. But the cat he picks from the shelter ends up being...well...a negative cat. Plenty of people in the family give up on Max (the cat), but not the boy. NEVER the boy. It turns out what this "negative cat" needs is to be read to!

My thoughts: I like this one I do. I love, love, love cats. I love, love, love reading. A story that combines my two favorites--I'm going to like it maybe even love it. If I have any hesitation about this one at all it is that the family considers taking the cat back to the shelter like it's no big deal to dump a pet. Fortunately, this doesn't happen. The little boy discovers Max loves to hear him read aloud...and all is well and good. 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

138. Say It Out Loud

Say It Out Loud. Allison Varnes. 2021. [August] 256 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: "Truth or dare?" Maddie asks from the other couch, her eyes pleading with me to play along.

Premise/plot: Maddie and Charlotte are best, best, best friends. Have been for almost forever. But now that they're in sixth grade, well, can one bad decision undo years of friendship? So what was that one bad decision? Not speaking up--like her friend Maddie--when a classmate is bullied on the bus. Also choosing to sit somewhere else on the bus because now the bullies are targeting Maddie. Charlotte--the day of--felt justified for separating herself from her friend. After all, Charlotte has a stutter and would make a super-easy target for two bullies like Tristan and Josh. Surely, self-preservation is something her friend can understand, right?! But it doesn't take long--not even twenty-four hours--before Charlotte realizes that she's made a mistake. But how can she make up for it?

My thoughts: Though it seems like it takes FOREVER AND A DAY for Maddie and Charlotte's friendship to get back on track, the book highlights Charlotte's transformation into someone who goes out of her way to speak kindness into other people's lives. Anonymous kindnesses to be sure--encouraging notes filled with positive messages and feel-good vibes.

The other story--perhaps the "main" story???--is of Charlotte and her drama classmates trying to save the drama program at their school from being cut. The author really only shows us TWO classes--Charlotte's homeroom and Charlotte's drama class. [She also has sessions with a speech therapist]. They will be performing The Wizard of Oz.

This is a coming of age novel featuring sixth graders who are learning how to survive middle school as best they can. Lots of messages about friendship.

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

137. Halfway to Harmony

Halfway to Harmony. Barbara O'Connor. 2021. 240 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: The night that Posey and Evalina moved to Harmony, Georgia, Walter Tipple had that dream again. The one about his birthday.

Premise/plot: Walter Tipple is still mourning the loss of his older brother, Tank. But his summer--and life--take a turn for the better AFTER Posey, Evalina, and Porkchop (the dog) move in next door. From the start these kids are drawn to each other and to some adventures/misadventures. Like finding a "dead" body in the woods. That turns out to be the knocked unconscious JUBILATION T. FAIRWEATHER aka "Banjo" who has dreams of his own...dreams involving a hot air balloon and a certain contest. But dreams don't always go as planned....

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this one! I love Barbara O'Connor's books. I really loved the characterization of Walter and Posey. And Banjo was a hoot. The book dealt with some heavy subjects but not in an oppressive way. I felt the resolution was as happily ever after as one would expect in such a case.
I thought the book did a good job of honoring Tank.

 YES, there is a dog on the cover. But it is a SAFE READ.

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

136. The Becket List

The Becket List: A Blackberry Farm Story. Adele Griffin. 2019. 208 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Today we're moving to Blackberry Farm. My parents are taking over the Old Post Road Animal Clinic, and we'll all help Gran run Branch's Farm Store.

Premise/plot: The Branch family is moving. Caroline, the oldest, is sad to be leaving her best, best friend. Nicolas, Rebecca's twin brother, is anxious and hesitant. And Rebecca, our hero, well she's super excited and adopted a new nickname: Becket. She is making (and making as she goes) a bucket list of everything a *real* country girl would do and doing it. The summer is full of changes...some great...some not so great. But it's packed with adventures and misadventures for the whole family.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I liked the writing. I loved the illustrations by LeUyen Pham. She's one of my favorite, favorite illustrators. The pace of the story is good.

I would just remind readers to be careful and OBSERVE the cover. NOTICE the dog on the cover. Question if you should read a book with a dog on the cover. Look for reviews (like this one) that may contain advice about reading books with dogs on the cover. Look for SPOILERS that alert you if the book is safe or not safe to read BECAUSE OF THE DOG ON THE COVER. Don't be like me and go in unprepared....

In other words....THIS BOOK IS NOT AT ALL SAFE FOR THOSE AVOIDING BOOKS WHERE DOGS DIE.

Quotes:

• But I know Gran likes loud truth more than soft politeness. That's why we get along.
• In the beginning, I figured if I did ten things that I hadn't ever done, it would make me into a real country kid. But this summer didn't follow my list. I never knew what I needed to learn next.

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

135. See the Dog: Three Stories About a Cat

See the Dog: Three Stories About a Cat. David LaRochelle. Illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka. 2021. [September] 64 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: See the dog. 

Premise/plot: See the Dog: Three Stories About a Cat is a companion book to LaRochelle's See the Cat: Three Stories About a Dog. In this early chapter book (or early reader???), the cat has a bit of fun with the narrator. The narrator is still being BOSSY, but the cat can hold her own.

The cat is substituting for the dog... The three stories are "See the Dog," "See the Lake," and "See the Sheep." By the end of the book, the cat is ready to QUIT.

My thoughts: I really LOVED both books. I especially loved, loved, loved the first book. But both books are fun, fiesty, silly, wonderful, delightful. I really enjoyed the humor and the simplicity. You don't need a lot of words in order to laugh.

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

134. Ivy Lost and Found

Ivy Lost and Found (Book Buddies #1) Cynthia Lord. Illustrated by Stephanie Graegin. 2021. [September] 80 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Ivy's first memory was the birthday party. There was music and bright balloons. A girl's face lit up with joy.

Premise/plot: Ivy's owner is all grown up and a librarian (named Anne.) Ivy has spent many, many, many lonely years (well, it felt like forever) packed away and forgotten. Now that she's been rediscovered, she's joining other toys (dolls, stuffed animals) at the local library. Ivy finds herself one of "book buddies" that can be checked out for two weeks at a time. But she is NEW to this and a bit hesitant. Does she want to be checked out? Is being played with again worth the risks of the unknown dangers?

My thoughts: I really LOVED this one. I did. It was a tiny bit sad--that she spent years forgotten and packed away--but this time makes up such a small part of actual text. And the story is just wonderful! I really enjoyed getting to know Ivy and some of the other toys. And we do spend time with the family (the young children) that checks her out of the library. Ivy *is* needed in this home. And it's good to be needed again.

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

133. Trailblazers: Lin-Manuel Miranda

Lin-Manuel Miranda: Raising Theater to New Heights. Kurtis Scaletta. 2021. [January] 192 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: On May 12, 2009, Lin-Manuel Miranda decided not to do what the president had asked.

Premise/plot: This is middle grade nonfiction--a biography of Lin-Manuel Miranda. The book focuses on his life--birth to present--and his career--from early days to present. The book provides background and context to musical theater and Broadway. It includes mini-biographical sketches on those that have worked and collaborated with Miranda.

My thoughts: I found this a quick, informative read. I liked learning a few new-to-me details. I hadn't heard that he was reading at 3 years old! (Just one example). I would definitely recommend for fans of Hamilton or In the Heights.

It is always refreshing to see new and contemporary biographical offerings for students to choose from.

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

132. The Magical Bookshop

The Magical Bookshop. Katja Frixe. 2021. [May] 176 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: If your best friend tells you that she's moving away, it is time for Red Alert.

Premise/plot: The Magical Bookshop is translated into English from German. This middle school book stars Clara, our heroine, who is mighty upset that her best, best friend, Lottie, is moving away. Her new teacher, Ms. Rose, happens to be the "other woman" and the cause of her best friend's abrupt removal.
But no matter how many things--big, little, medium--seem to go wrong, there's always Mrs. Owl's MAGICAL bookshop. It will always, always, be there, right????

Clara LOVES to spend all her free time at the bookstore. There's a TALKING cat and a TALKING mirror--both always giving advice. And Mrs. Owl's always kind and super-helpful.

My thoughts: This one is definitely light on actual plot but stars plenty of interesting characters. It depends on what you're looking for in a book. I liked the lightness of it. And it has a slightly old-fashioned feel to it.

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers