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

3. Judy Moody Was In A Mood

Judy Moody Was In A Mood. (Judy Moody #1) Megan McDonald. Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds. 2000/2020. 160 pages. [Source: Bought]

First sentence: Judy Moody did not want to give up summer. She did not feel like brushing her hair every day. She did not feel like memorizing spelling words. And she did not want to sit next to Frank Pearl, who ate paste, in class. Judy Moody was in a mood.

Premise/plot: Judy Moody adjusts to starting a new grade--third--and making new friends in Megan McDonald's Judy Moody Was In A Mood. It is the first in a LONG series. Judy is predictably unique and quirky. And she predictably has a little BOTHER of a brother nicknamed STINK. Her adventures or misadventures at home and school are illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds. 

My thoughts: I definitely enjoyed this one! I don't know that I loved it so much that I want to read the entire series start to finish. But I definitely liked the writing style and layout. Her humor wasn't always in line with me--at least me as an adult. But it's a strong like for me. 

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

The Case of the Climbing Cat

The Case of the Climbing Cat. (The High-Rise Private Eyes #2). Cynthia Rylant. Illustrated by G. Brian Karas. 2000. 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Bunny liked her balcony. She tried to get Jack to sit on it. "No, thanks," he always said.

Premise/plot: Bunny and Jack are the detective team in Cynthia Rylant's early chapter book mystery series. The book opens with the two eating Chinese take-out. A neighbor screams out THIEF. Her binoculars have been stolen. Can Bunny and Jack follow the clues and find the thief?

My thoughts: I enjoy the series. But this series is not as enjoyable--as delightful--of some of the other series by Cynthia Rylant. I prefer Poppleton and Mr. Putter and Tabby! But I am so glad I'm taking the time to read all of her books! I really enjoy the dialogue in all of her books.

If the book was truly a mystery, then the title would not give away who did it. Granted, the series is aimed at young readers and should be easy and obvious to solve. But still.

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

The Case of the Missing Monkey

The Case of the Missing Monkey. (High Rise Private Eyes #1) Cynthia Rylant. Illustrated by G. Brian Karas. 2000. 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Bunny liked brussels sprouts and cheese for breakfast every morning. "Yuck," said Jack. "It's delicious. Try some," said Bunny.

Premise/plot: This is the first book in an early reader mystery series by Cynthia Rylant. In this early chapter book, Jack and Bunny solve the case of the 'missing' monkey. It starts at a local diner. The two are breakfasting together. The owner is distraught when his glass monkey is stolen. Can Bunny and Jack solve the mystery?

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I am trying to read as much Cynthia Rylant as I can this year. I really enjoy her work and there is so much I haven't read! The mystery elements of this one were fun. I enjoyed following the clues. I think children would enjoy it as well.


© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Mr. Putter and Tabby Paint the Porch

Mr. Putter and Tabby Paint the Porch. (Mr. Putter and Tabby #9) Cynthia Rylant. 2000. 44 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: It was springtime and Mr. Putter and his fine cat, Tabby, were feeling very chipper. The birds sang, the sun shone, the flowers bloomed.

Premise/plot: The book begins with Mr. Putter promising to read his cat, Tabby, a funny story. But he gets distracted when he notices the front porch needs painting. He decides to paint the porch and then read a funny story to Tabby. But does all go according to his plan? Not with Tabby and Zeke around! Or should I make that squirrels and chipmunks!

My thoughts: This is a funny early chapter book. I love, love, love Mr. Putter AND Tabby. This pair is well-suited--for each other and for me as a reader. This one is ACTION packed.


© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Arthur's Perfect Christmas

Arthur's Perfect Christmas. Marc Brown. 2000. 48 pages. [Source: Bought]

First sentence: It was three days before Christmas, and Arthur wanted everything to be just right. There would be lots of snow...the perfect tree...and a delicious turkey dinner.

Premise/plot: This picture book is an adaptation of the Arthur Christmas special, Arthur's Perfect Christmas. Arthur wants a PERFECTLY perfect Christmas. D.W. wants one thing and only one thing: Tina the Talking Tabby. Muffy wants many, many, many things. Francine just wants to be heard--for a change. Baxter, well, he wants to RELAX.

My thoughts: The special features a LOT of music. That is something that can't really be conveyed through a picture book adaptation. The book does include many scenes from the special, but it is a bit more concise in terms of story. It is a WORDY book. Though the special can be enjoyed by young ones, the book may be a bit too much to read aloud in one sitting. I'm wondering if it might not have been better as a chapter book.


© 2017 Becky Laney of Young Readers