152. I Survived the Wellington Avalanche, 1910

I Survived the Wellington Avalanche, 1910. (I Survived #22) Lauren Tarshis. 2022. 144 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: RRRRRRRRooooooar! The earsplitting explosion shook the ground. Eleven year old Janie Pryor swung her head around and stared in horror. The mountain above her seemed to have shattered apart. A massive wave of icy snow was crashing down. An avalanche! For the past six days, Janie had been stuck in this stormy wilderness.

Premise/plot: Janie Pryor is the "I" in Lauren Tarshis' newest I Survived historical novel. The event is an avalanche that led to a disastrous tragedy. 

If you've read one I Survived novel, you've got a fairly good idea on what to expect in this latest installment. 

My thoughts: I don't always appreciate the drama of the I Survived books, but, this one I must admit had me at the edge of my seat from start to finish. This event, I'm guessing, is NOT well known with the intended audience. (Unlike say the Titanic, Hurricane Katrina, or 9/11.) Perhaps it is not even well known with older readers--adults. If history classes covered events like this one, would history classes be better appreciated???? Perhaps. (But I digress.) 

The story is compelling. Not just the natural disaster aspect--which is inevitably intense--but the personal drama as well. I would explain what led Janie to being on the train in the first place, but, I don't want to have spoilers in this review. Usually the secondary side stories are a bit silly, at least in my opinion, but I didn't find that so in this newest book.

Definitely recommend this one.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

151. Pizza! A Slice of History

Pizza! A Slice of History. Greg Pizzoli. 2022. [August] 56 pages. [Source: Library]
 

First sentence: This is pizza. And this is pizza. And so is this. And yes, even this is pizza. 

Premise/plot: Nonfiction picture book about the history of pizza--that is the premise of Greg Pizzoli's newest book. It is narrated (I suppose) by a little mouse who is surprisingly knowledgeable about pizza! 

My thoughts: Very bright and bold. Lots of contrast. Packed with information. (Well, relatively speaking.) I liked it. I did. I could see this being a big hit for readers in early to mid elementary grades. 

I think my favorite favorite favorite part was the spread on international pizza. It was just EXTREMELY packed with fascinating tidbits. Like, "In Japan, people sometimes top their pizza with mayo jaga--a combination of potato, bacon, and mayonnaise." Or "In Brazil, it's not uncommon to see green peas on pizza!"

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

150. Chester Van Chime Who Forgot How To Rhyme

Chester Van Chime Who Forgot How To Rhyme. Avery Monsen. 2022. [March] 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: There once was a youngster named Chester van Chime, who woke up one day and forgot how to rhyme. It baffled poor Chester. He felt almost queasy. To match up two sounds, it was always so... ... simple for him. See, Chester loved rhyming, in poem or song. It always felt right, but today it felt... ... not right, VERY not right.

Premise/plot: Chester van Chime, our protagonist, wakes up one day to discover he has lost the ability to rhyme. Poor Chester! Those around him try to help, but, there aren't any easy, magical solutions to his problem...

My thoughts: I really thought this one was so fun and delightful. I could relate to Chester. I also love, love, love to rhyme...especially in song. The book BEGS to be read aloud. It begs to be an interactive reading experience. I could see this one working one-on-one with a child (perhaps a parent, grandparent, etc.) OR as a group read aloud (like in a classroom or library).

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

149. Charlie and Mouse Are Magic

Charlie and Mouse are Magic (Charlie and Mouse #6) Laurel Snyder. Illustrated by Emily Hughes. 2022. [August] 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Mom was in the kitchen. Mouse was in the kitchen, too. "Mouse!" said Mom. "You are making a mess." "Mom!" said Mouse. "You are making a mess." "I am not just making a mess," said Mom. "I am making dinner." "Well," said Mouse, "I am not just making a mess either. I am making a potion. It is a magic potion." 

Charlie and Mouse are back again in Charlie and Mouse are Magic. There are four stories in this early reader/early chapter book: "Magic," "Invisible," "Animals," and "More Magic."

I love how all the stories flow into one another. I love how the narrative is relatable both to children AND to adults. I love that the whole story seems to read on two levels. 

I love, love, love, love, love, love, love, crazy love, love, love the Charlie and Mouse stories by Laurel Snyder. These characters are among my favorite and best characters ever. Highly recommended. 

Just to note--for better or worse--to the delight of giggly children, perhaps--the kids do get nude in some scenes (as they are playing outside when they think they are invisible...and when they are drying from the subsequent bath.)

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

148. Measuring a Year

Measuring a Year: A Rosh Hashanah Story. Linda Elovitz Marshall. Illustrated by Zara Gonzalez Hoang. 2022. 32 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: How do you measure a year? By looking at how much you grew...or all the things you learned to do? 

Premise/plot: From the afterward, The Jewish holidays Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur mark the beginning of the Jewish New Year. This book talks about the different ways you can measure a year. The text is straight forward and basic, but the illustrations really offer more food for thought, if you will. They offer stories. 

My thoughts: I would recommend reading this one twice. The first time focusing on the text and the second time focusing on the illustrations. I think for Jewish readers--probably, almost certainly--the prominence of apples and honey will be obvious. For other readers, a tiny little note might help out. That being said, I don't expect every book to fill in the blanks and educate. I don't. Regardless of your faith or beliefs, a book about new beginnings always fits.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

147. The Year of Miss Agnes

The Year of Miss Agnes. Kirkpatrick Hill. 2000/2020. 128 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: "What will happen now?" I asked Mamma as we watched the plane take the teacher away. 

Premise/plot: Fred (Frederika) is skeptical that the new teacher will last long. Life in their small Alaskan village is too rough and tough on most teachers. But their small village has enough students--the minimum is six--for a school to be established if only they can get a teacher to come...to come and stay. Their last teacher didn't last long at all. But this teacher, Agnes Sutterfield, is all kinds of wonderful. Different in every way that matters, that counts. For the first time, the students feel their teacher has invested in them. But will she stay? That one question drives the narrative forward. 

Historical fiction set in Alaska in 1948/1949. This is a one-room school house in a small village.

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this one! I enjoy historical fiction novels. (That is probably obvious by now). I love teaching stories. (I do.) This one was solidly good. If I had one complaint--and I suppose I do--it was just a little too short. It's like we get in-depth coverage of her first week or two of school and then super-super-super fast forward to the last day of school. When we only had two or three pages left of the novel and the story still hadn't come to any satisfying conclusion, I was VERY WORRIED. But it got there just in time. Barely. Another fifty to seventy-five pages and this one would have been A++++++. 

I really loved the inclusion of Bokko, Fred's sister, who is deaf. I loved how Miss Agnes taught her as well and got the whole town excited about including her.

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

146. Haylee and Comet: A Trip Around the Sun

Haylee and Comet: A Trip Around the Sun. Deborah Marcero. 2022. [January] 72 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Haylee! Haylee! Come quick! What is it? I don't know. It looks like a tiny comet! Oh! That's not a comet. That's a caterpillar. 

Premise/plot: Haylee (a girl) and Comet (a comet) are best, best, best friends. These two are starring in their second adventure. In this one, these two explore what it means to change and grow. There are several stories within this early graphic novel chapter book. These stories are "The Cocoon," "Snow Cone," and "Growing Up." Each story has a page that tags on some nonfiction facts.

My thoughts: I definitely enjoyed this second book. I think I might even like it more than the first book. These two friends are so fun to spend time with. I liked how the same theme was carried out through all three stories. There were a few places with some depth. For example, in the story called "Snow Cone," the two enjoy snow cones on a very hot day. Long story short, they melt. They talk about how the snow cones changed. Comet then notes, "Change is messy." She adds, "Yep. Almost always." That is a very true observation. The text worked for me.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

145. Next Door To Happy

Next Door to Happy. Allison Weiser Strout. 2022. [July] 192 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Ever since they moved in next door last week, I've sat on our front porch watching them.

Premise/plot: Violet Crane, our young heroine, is falling (yes, literally, at least sometimes) for the next door neighbors, the Walkers. There are five kids in the family. And each one is a potential playmate and friend to the lonely Violet. Her friendships--at least during the summer--are up in the air. Her mother suffers from severe anxiety (rarely leaving the house, unwilling to meet new people). Violet sees the next door neighbors as perfection personified. Could there be a more perfect family???? Turns out, the Walkers aren't all that perfect, but, it may take Violet a while to understand that every family dynamic has strengths and weaknesses.

My thoughts: I'm not sure how I feel about this one. It is definitely character-driven. Violet is unhappy with her own family: she's an only child, a lonely child, her parents are divorced. She daydreams herself right into the perfect family that happens to live next door. But daydreams are daydreams are daydreams. Readers may spot this before Violet herself does. (Does she ever realize this???) The Walkers are a blur. There are five children, and, many of them just blend together with the exception of Chloe (who always seems contrary to everyone else) and Reggie, the sibling who is in her own class. Reggie and Violet become good friends. I didn't see perfection like Violet did. I do wish that we got to know Violet's mother better--seen through more compassionate eyes than Violet. 

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

144. Fenway and Hattie

Fenway and Hattie. Victoria J. Coe. 2016. [February] 176 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: As soon as we get off the elevator, I know something is wrong. Our apartment has no mat in front. The muddy boots and fake flowers are gone. The doorway looks empty. Abandoned. Like nobody lives here. Who took our stuff? Intruders? Strangers? Squirrels?!

Premise/plot: Fenway and Hattie is animal fantasy. The whole book is narrated by the dog, Fenway. He lives with Fetch Man, Food Lady, and Hattie. The family moves from the city to the suburbs which greatly confuses him--at least at first. (He thinks, for example, that his yard is a "dog park.") Fenway's biggest worry is that Hattie is forgetting him; She is his world, but her interests are ever expanding. (She loves, loves, loves her new treehouse, for example, and she's also become interested in baseball, I believe.) Will these two stay best, best, best friends?

My thoughts: I found this one an enjoyable and quick read. This one was a recommendation from my sister. So glad I read it. I look forward to reading more in the series.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

143. The Sisters Grim: The Fairy-tale Detectives

The Sisters Grimm: The Fairy-Tale Detectives. Michael Buckley. Illustrated by Peter Ferguson. 2005. 284 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence (of the prologue): The dense forest branches scratched at their faces and arms, but Sabrina and Daphne couldn't stop running, though they had long since passed the point of exhaustion. Fear was fueling each step now. Another thunderous bellow rang in the distance, followed by the terrible sound of falling trees and shrieking animals.
"We have to find a way to stop it," Daphne cried between gasps. Sabrina knew her little sister was right. But how? They were two children versus a vicious monster.
"I'll think of something," Sabrina said, dragging her sister behind an enormous oak tree for a much-needed rest. Sabrina squeezed her sister's hand to reassure her, while she forced oxygen into her burning lungs. Her words were empty. She didn't have a plan. The only thing going on in her head was the thumping of blood roaring through her eardrums. But it made no difference. It had found them. Splintering wood and damp soil rained from the sky as the tree they stood next to was violently uprooted. The two girls looked up into the horrible face above them and felt hot breath blow through their skin. What's happened to our lives? Sabrina wondered. When had their world become unrecognizable? And what had happened to her, the eleven-year-old girl who only two days ago had been just an orphan on a train? 

 Premise/plot: Sabrina and Daphne are young sisters with a legacy or heritage about to catch up with them. When their parents disappeared over a year ago, the two had been placed into foster care or social services. Bounced from home to home, now the girls are on their final journey to a new home. A mysterious relative has stepped up to claim them. Now Ms. Smirt, their social worker, has only to deliver them to Ferryport Landing and her work will be done.

Smirt had made a mistake when she chose a career with children, Sabrina thought, especially since she didn't seem to like them. Ms. Smirt complained whenever she had to touch their sticky hands or wipe their runny noses, and reading bedtime stories was completely out of the question. She seemed to especially dislike the Grimm sisters and had labeled them rude, uncooperative, and a couple of know-it-alls. So, Sabrina was sure it was Ms. Smirt's personal mission to get the girls out of the orphanage and into a foster home. So far it had failed miserably. She'd sent them to live with people who were usually mean and occasionally crazy, and who had used them as maids, house sitters, or just plain ignored them. But this time she had gone too far. This time Ms. Smirt was sending them to live with a dead woman. (2-3)

This 'dead woman' is their grandmother Grimm. Eccentric, yes. And the environment is odd at best. And their are certain rules the girls will have to adjust to...but it soon becomes clear...at least to the reader that this will be a loving, adventure-filled home.

Here is a description of the house beginning with the living room: (can you guess why I like it???)
It was enormous, a much larger room than seemed possible in a cottage so small. Each wall was lined with bookshelves, stuffed with more books than Sabrina had ever seen. Stacks of them also sat on the floor, the tables, and every other surface. A teapot perched precariously on a stack that looked as if it would fall over at any moment. Books were under the couch cushions, under the carpet. Several giant stacks stood in front of an old television, blocking any chance that someone could watch cartoons. On the spines Sabrina read the strangest titles: BIRDS OF OZ, THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF AN EVIL QUEEN, and SHOES, TOYS, AND COOKIES: THE ELVISH HANDCRAFT TRADITION. Mrs. Grimm led them through another door where a dining room table sat littered with books, open and waiting to be read. Sabrina picked one up and rolled her eyes when she read the title: 365 WAYS TO COOK DRAGON. (15)

And it doesn't take long for the adventures to begin....but I won't spoil them here!!! This is one you'll have to read for yourself.

My thoughts: I have always meant to reread this series. I have. I remember absolutely loving it. I enjoyed rereading it. It was just a delight. And it's definitely been long enough--fifteen plus year--that it's like reading the book for the very first time. 

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

142. Francine Poulet Meets the Ghost Raccoon

Francine Poulet Meets the Ghost Raccoon. Kate DiCamillo. Illustrated by Chris Van Dusen. 2015. 98 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Francine Poulet was an animal control officer.

Premise/plot: Francine Poulet *was* an animal control officer. Oh how that first sentence takes on a dual meaning once you've read the book once. But I digress. Francine Poulet, our heroine, IS an animal control officer. She is the very best on the job. No one could possibly do a better job. But, she is about to be put to the ultimate test. Enter Mrs Bissinger AND enter the "ghost" raccoon. Meeting these two, "on the job," will test everything Francine believes about herself. So, essentially, Mrs. Bissinger calls in with a complaint that there is a ghost raccoon on her roof...she needs animal control....

My thoughts: This book was a LOVELY and DELIGHTFUL hoot. I loved every minute of it. It was such a fabulous read. It was funny, but it was heartwarming at the same time. Perhaps that doesn't seem unusual? Maybe it does. But I don't associate slapstick comedy with being heartwarming and delightful. I think the illustrations are wonderful at communicating the story. They are so expressive.

 

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

141. Our Little Mushroom

Our Little Mushroom: A Story of Franz Schubert and His Friends. Emily Arnold McCully. 2022. [August] 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Our friend Franz auditioned for the emperor's choir school when he was eleven. He barely spoke a word, but he sang like an angel. When we burst into applause, Franz's face turned red as a rose. We students called him "Schwammerl," our "Little Mushroom." He was very small and quite round. His talent amazed us, but he was so shy!

Premise/plot: Our Little Mushroom is a picture book biography of Franz Schubert, a composer and musician (1797-1828). It is narrated collectively--I suppose--from his friends. It uses "we" and "our" throughout. It is not an omniscient third person narration. But a more familiar--yet plural--we. It is the story of Schubert and his music (and his friends who enjoyed his music).

My thoughts: I don't know honestly that I've ever read any biography written with this we/our narrative voice. I've read hundreds of picture book biographies, but none written quite like this. It is music appreciation. 

It wasn't as exciting/thrilling as I hoped. But perhaps that's just me?

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

140. Just Right Jillian

Just Right Jillian. Nicole D. Collier. 2022. [February] 224 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: It's all Rashida's fault. Well, my Mama says don't say that. "Never start a story with the other person," she says. But sometimes you gotta start with the other person to tell the story. Only this is not a story story. It's the truth. 

Premise/plot: Just Right Jillian is a coming of age novel starring an awesome (but super shy) heroine, Jillian. She's made a promise to her grandmother (before she died) that she would try to come out of her shell, that she would try to speak up and speak out, to be her truest self. Jillian sees participating in the Mind Bender (the school's biggest [academic] competition) as a way to keep her word. But it won't be easy for Jillian to learn to speak up. She may know the answer; she may know the RIGHT answer. But speaking up and saying it aloud is another thing. 

Just Right Jillian is the perfect blend of home and school life. Readers get a chance to see Jillian at home (with her parents) and at school (with her teacher and classmates).

My thoughts: I love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love this one. I love how the character's growth and development parallels that of the classroom's project--hatching chicks from eggs. I love the narration and writing. I love the story. I love the characters. I love how everything is JUST RIGHT. 

This novel deserves all the love and attention. I don't know that it will receive it come award time, but it's won my heart.

Quotes:

My heart was safe with her. "You'll grow out of shyness, Jilly," she said more than once. "But don't hide! Being shy is one thing. Hiding is something else." I never really knew what she meant by hiding. Until today. Hiding means you're lying. You know what your heart wants, and you're scared, so you do the opposite. Hiding hurts. A lot. 

At school, I don't think my classmates really see me, either. Maybe no one can. Except Ms. W. She has x-ray vision. What I wanna know is, does she see a winner or a loser? Or something in between?

How do you stop yourself from disappearing? Do you wear something special? Do you grow out of it and wake up brave? Do you just hope for the best and see what happens? Maybe tomorrow will be different. Maybe tomorrow, they will see me. Maybe tomorrow, I will be brave. 

Today I would not blend in with everyone else. Today I would be Jillian in Purple and Pockets.

I had on Purple and Pockets, so all was not lost.

The toughest battle, the most important one, is always the one inside.

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

139. Trouble at Table 5: Trouble to the Max

Trouble to the Max (Trouble at Table 5 #5) Tom Watson. 2021. 96 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: We had only been in our seats for a couple of minutes on Monday morning when Mr. Willow called from the front of the classroom, "Table 5!"

Premise/plot: Simon, Rosie, and Molly are table 5. This is the fifth book in the series. In this one, Simon has a BIG problem. Simon borrowed a soccer ball from a classmate, Max, and he kicked it into the tallest tree in the park. Can Simon and his friends work together to find a way to get the ball down before Max finds out what happened?

My thoughts: Simon, Rosie, and Molly are super close friends who work together always to solve each other's problems. They have a way of brainstorming their way out of trouble. I liked the friendship elements.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

138. Lily to the Rescue: Two Little Piggies

Lily to the Rescue: Two Little Piggies (Lily #2) W. Bruce Cameron. 2020. 128 pages. [Source: Library] 

First sentence: Snow had melted, the birds were in the trees, and I was in the backyard playing ball with my girl, Maggie Rose, her older brother Bryan, and her even older brother Craig.

Premise/plot: Lily's family goes to the rescue yet again in this installment of the series. This time, the family is responding to a call reporting PIGLETS found at a truck stop. With Lily's help, her family may just make it through this fostering experience. 

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this one as I was reading it. Lily and her human family are so delightful that I wouldn't mind a hundred books. Even if they were all mainly same-same. Find an animal. Rescue an animal. Have Lily help out. Rescued animal finds a new home. The narrative style is so super cute and adorable. 

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

137. Lily's Story

Lily's Story (A Puppy Tale) W. Bruce Cameron. 2019. 224 pages. [Source: Library] 

First sentence: I had a mother and no sisters and too many brothers.

Premise/plot: Lily, our heroine, is the runt of her litter, and also the only girl. She (along with her mother and brothers) have been rescued and are now leaving at an animal rescue where they are awaiting new forever homes. Maggie Rose, our human heroine, is the runt of her family, and also the only girl (she has two brothers). Her father is a game warden (I believe) and her mother works at the animal rescue. They don't think Lily should be their forever-and-ever-and-ever dog. After all, they can't bring home every animal they fall in love with. But Maggie knows that Lily is one of a kind. Maggie and Lily belong together. Lily has a special way with other animals--even cats. Will these two be able to stay together?

My thoughts: I loved Lily to the Rescue. This book came first. This is her 'puppy tale.' This is the story of how Lily came to live with her forever family and to work at the animal rescue. I love that it is all from Lily's perspective. I loved seeing the world through a dog's eyes. I loved reading about all the times Lily proved herself "a good dog" by helping out with other animals. This was such a sweet book. Definitely recommended.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers