133. Audrey L & Audrey W: True Creative Talents

True Creative Talents (Audrey L & Audrey W #2) 2022. [October] 176 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Diego was flicking boogers again. Not actual straight-from-your-nose boogers, but the crusty crumbly bits of dried up glue that he'd peeled from his palms.

Premise/plot: Audrey L and Audrey W are best, best friends. Or they are supposed to be. But what happens when enough is enough is enough in Room 19? What happens if the table arrangements (the assigned seating at the tables) are completely redone! If Audrey L and Audrey W are assigned different tables, different teams/pods, will they still be best, best, best friends? Or will Audrey W replace her with a new friend (one named Bettina).

Meanwhile, the class is preparing for a talent show. Can Audrey L find her true talent???

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I still enjoy these characters. I still enjoy chapter books with a strong school setting. In particular, ones that flesh out all the students in a particular classroom and follows them through several books. Classroom dynamics are quite interesting. Audrey L is a great main character. But I like seeing the big picture too!

I loved the description of Audrey W being the guacamole to Audrey L's taco.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

125. Audrey L and Audrey W: Best Friends-ish

Audrey L. and Audrey W. Best Friends-ish (Book 1) Carter Higgins. Illustrated by Jennifer K. Mann. 2021. 184 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: At the beginning of the school year, Audrey had been super-duper-duper sure that second grade would be twice as fun as first. She was ready.

Premise/plot: Audrey L is having a harder time than she'd like adjusting to second grade. When Audrey W joins the class--and is assigned to her table/group--things get interesting. Audrey is her official welcome ambassador. Are the two Audrey's more similar than different? Do they have potential to be best friends? This is a situational school drama-comedy. Audrey L definitely is having a time of it. (I believe the book spans a week or possibly two. Not much longer.) 

My thoughts: I LOVED the narration in this one. Audrey L is given quite the unique voice and I absolutely loved getting to know HER. I thought it was super-relatable; it had humor and heart. I look forward to reading book two.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

111. Ways to Build Dreams

Sadly No Cover Yet

Ways to Build Dreams. Renee Watson. Illustrated by Nina Mata. 2023. [October] 208 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Everything feels new. The clothes I got for Christmas still fit in that stiff way that new clothes fit, and they haven't been worn enough to start fading. We've finally stopped eating holiday food and have gone back to more everyday meals--peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, burgers and fries, spaghetti. We're two weeks into the new year, and still people are saying Happy New Year! if it's the first time they've seen someone since December.

Premise/plot: This is the fourth Ryan Hart novel. Previous books include: Ways To Make Sunshine, Ways to Grow Love, and Ways to Share Joy. This LOVELY chapter book covers Ryan Hart's last five months in elementary school (aka, January - May of her fifth grade year). Readers spend time with Ryan Hart at school and home. 

My thoughts: I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, crazy love the Ryan Hart series. I adore every single member of her family. I love Ryan, Ray, Rose, the parents, and the grandma. I ADORE the relationships between all the family members. I love seeing the complexities of those relationships. I love seeing Ryan hang out with her best friends. I love seeing her strive at school. I love the occasional trip to church. Everything about Ryan Hart's world is one I'm invested in--I just adore this series so much. 

This one has so many perfectly-perfect scenes. I don't know if this is the last book, but if it happens to be the last book it is incredibly satisfying. (Do I want it to be the end? No. Never. I want to be friends with Ryan forever and ever and ever.) 

Quotes:

Always, they ask, What do you want to do when you grow up? but I have never been asked, Who do you want to be? I've never thought about there being a difference.
Like she [her Grandma] is thinking again about how I am changing, changing. She is smiling at me in a way that tells me her love is not based on what I do, but who I am.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

87. Betsy-Tacy

Betsy-Tacy. Maud Hart Lovelace. Illustrated by Lois Lenski. 1940. 144 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: It was difficult, later, to think of a time when Betsy and Tacy had not been friends.

Premise/plot: Betsy meets Tacy, her new neighbor, at her fifth birthday party. The two girls become instant best friends, near sisters. These two are inseparable. They want to do everything together--always together. This book focuses on their time together--at home, at school, etc. The book concludes with the two meeting another little girl near their own age, Tb.

My thoughts: I have no memory of reading Betsy-Tacy growing up. I'd heard of the book series certainly. But if I'm honest, I thought it was literally about ONE girl named Betsy-Tacy. These books are set around the turn of the twentieth century. Yes, it was published originally in 1940...but Betsy and company would have been born in the 1890s. 

The book is interesting in that it feels TIMELESS and time-specific. The two things shouldn't both be true. The book feels timeless because it captures childhood realistically--family life, friendship, thoughts and feelings about school. Some things never change. It feels time-specific because of the descriptions and illustrations. It feels delightfully historic. I like that about it.

One thing that struck me, and it's a slight spoiler, is that Tacy has a sibling--younger, I believe--die. This would have been more common during this time period. I loved how this was handled. 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

12. Sincerely Sicily

Sincerely Sicily. Tamika Burgess. 2023. 304 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Demanding to see the email only shows me how real this all is. Pa's phone trembles in my hands as I read it for myself. I almost can't get past the words: Sicily Jordan is registered and has been placed in a sixth grade class.

Premise/plot: Sicily Jordan will be attending a different middle school than her (current) best friends. It is the absolute end of the world. There is no recovering from this trauma, this abuse. HOW dare the universe do this to her?!?! She can't even. 

Reyna Sado--her best friend from kindergarten that disappeared (moved away)--attends the same middle school now. These two have the potential to be friends, but, because they don't have 100% the same interests and personalities, there's some doubt whether these two will reconnect...permanently. 

Meanwhile, Sicily has decided to cancel Grandma (Abuela) after she--or whether her hairstyle [braids]--was critiqued. Her father is reluctant to cut all ties with his mother, after all she's grieving the loss of her husband, is physically in need of help, and is from a different generation, but possibly to avoid being canceled himself decides to give grandma an ultimatum. 

The only other plot thread to be found is Sicily's interest in writing for the school newspaper. She's discouraged by the super mean-girl-bossy-rich-girl eighth grader. But she's encouraged by others. 

My thoughts: Sincerely Sicily wasn't for me--personally. This middle grade "problem novel" is a two-note song. For those that love the two notes and want to support a new author, this one might be a fantastic fit. 

Race and racism is front and center on almost every single page of this one. Sicily is learning the distinctive differences and nuances between race and culture, culture and race. And she is personally becoming fascinated with the history of all her blended cultures from her family tree. Like researching these cultures, traditions, etc., is her favorite new hobby. She writes about it every day in her journal. And occasionally--here and there--there are brief moments where you could see, yes, race is coming into play, perhaps there's a smidge of prejudice and offense to be taken. The journal entries--and some of the conversations--to me seem a little more info-dump than I prefer. I'm sure this seems [extra] harsh.

For me, the weakest element of this one was the characterization or lack thereof. Sicily, our heroine, is the most developed. And her sole interests seem to be a) learning about her race and culture b) writing about her race and culture c) talking about her race and culture d) talking about writing about her race and culture e) finding offense when people misunderstand her race and/or culture. Based on her interactions with her family, friends, classmates, etc, she seems a little immature and slightly bratty. Her characterization may be 1000% correct for your typical sixth grader. I am not calling into question her authenticity. Sicily wasn't necessarily given opportunities to shine with strong, developed relationships with other characters. The next-best-developed character was her crush, Michael. The conversations between these two show potential. I felt that Sicily could have potential to be a good, solid heroine if she felt more dimensional. The relationships were also on the weak side, in my opinion.

 "Problem novels" aren't my favorite and best type of realistic fiction to read.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

9. A Boy Called Bat

 

A Boy Called Bat. Elana K. Arnold. 2017. 208 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Bixby Alexander Tam stared into the refrigerator, trying to decide what to eat. He knew that the longer he took, the more energy he was wasting, and Bixby Alexander Tam did not like to waste energy. But he also didn't like to eat leftovers, or cheese that had to be sliced, or any of the yogurt flavors in the fridge.

Premise/plot: Bat (Bixby Alexander Tam) is having a not-so-great day. In fact, he's on the verge of a meltdown. His day begins to improve when his mom--an animal rescuer presumably--brings home a newborn baby skunk. BAT is super-excited to take care of it. He loves animals and animal facts. As the days and weeks pass, Bat becomes bonded. Can they keep the baby skunk as their forever pet? Or will they have to let him go to another rescue/refuge center?

My thoughts: Bat is in an interesting character. I do believe he is on the spectrum. Everything about this one felt authentic--his relationships with his mom, his dad, his sister, his teacher, classmates, etc. I loved the ending. Nothing is tied neatly in a bow, but there is potential--great potential for Bat to be in a good, happy and healthy place. 

My sister recommended this one to me. She thought I would find Bat relatable. I did, I really did!!! So I'm very glad I checked this one out from the library. 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

1. Marya Khan and the Incredible Henna Party

Marya Khan and the Incredible Henna Party. Saadia Faruqi. Illustrated by Ani Bushry. 2022. [October 18] 144 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First Sentence: It wasn't fair that my birthday party was exactly two days after Alexa R.'s. "Why couldn't I have been born a little early?" I groaned at breakfast on Monday.

Premise/plot: Marya Khan is about to turn eight. But her birthday party doesn't feel like a party. At least not in comparison. Her parents think an appropriate party includes inviting over a best friend, getting pizza, and watching a movie. Marya Khan dreams a little bigger. A LOT bigger. Something perhaps even bigger and better than her neighbor-and-classmate, Alexa, will have. Her storytelling gets a little out of control and catches the attention of Alexa who believes Marya really is having this awesome party--a henna party. Can Marya convince her parents to throw her a big(ger) party in just a few days???? Or will she be caught out in her lie????

My thoughts: I really loved this one. It was such a great early chapter book. I loved meeting Marya and her family. I loved meeting her friends. I loved how the tense relationship between Alexa and Marya was explored. [Marya is more than a little jealous. But Alexa doesn't seem to have any negative, mean feelings about her.] I loved that this story shows the importance of empathy. Lest you think it is all about morals and lessons, this one offers some humor as well.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

213. Surely Surely Marisol Rainey

Surely Surely Marisol Rainey. Erin Entrada Kelly. 2022. 160 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Marisol Rainey keeps a list in her head. She calls it her List of Favorites. Her best friend, Jada George, has a list, too. Marisol and Jada like to compare their lists because it's interesting to see all the ways they are the same and all the ways they are different. 

Premise/plot: Surely Surely Marisol Rainey is the second in the series. Marisol is still Marisol. [I love her so much!] In this one, she's working on tolerating sports. I guess that might be how you could describe it. 

My thoughts: I really love, love, love Marisol, I do. She's a fabulous character. I'd also have added gym class to my list of least favorite things. But, for me, feeling the way I do about sports, I just couldn't really connect the way I wanted to with this book. It was too much sports. And even knowing that Marisol herself didn't naturally like let alone love sports didn't really help overall. I wanted to love this second book just as much. But I'd almost rather the author tackled Marisol's dislike of radishes instead.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

212. Best Christmas Pageant Ever

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Barbara Robinson. 1972. HarperCollins. 128 pages. [Source: Bought]

Is The Best Christmas Pageant Ever the best Christmas book ever? It might just be. I know I prefer it to Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. One reason why I do is because the book truly captures the getting-it moment, the moment when one realizes the true meaning of Christmas. A Christmas Carol may do an adequate job of "getting" the generosity of Christmas, but it is a Christ-less Christmas story. There is nothing in A Christmas Carol that would point you towards the real meaning of Christmas: the birth of a Savior. The Best Christmas Pageant does just that. And it doesn't sacrifice entertainment or humor. In fact, it is probably one of the funniest children's books ever. Here's how it opens:

The Herdmans were absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world. They lied and stole and smoked cigars (even the girls) and talked dirty and hit little kids and cussed their teachers and took the name of the Lord in vain and set fire to Fred Shoemaker's old broken-down toolhouse. The toolhouse burned right down to the ground, and I think that surprised the Herdmans. They set fire to things all the time, but that was the first time they managed to burn down a whole building. I guess it was an accident. I don't suppose they woke up that morning and said to one another, "Let's go burn down Fred Shoemaker's toolhouse"...but maybe they did. After all, it was a Saturday, and not much going on.

There are six Herdmans in all: Ralph, Imogene, Leroy, Claude, Ollie, and Gladys. The premise of this one is oh-so-simple: what if the yearly Christmas pageant was overrun with Herdmans? What if the WORST kids in town, possibly the WORST kids in the world, got the best roles in the Christmas pageant? What would it be like for the director(s)? What would it be like for the other kids? What would it be like for the audience? What no one was expecting was that the story itself would have an impact on the actors leading it to be THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER.

It is narrated in the first person. I believe it is told from the perspective of the director's daughter. As I mentioned, it is hilarious and touching all at the same time. Though the 'touching' bit--the sentimental bit--is towards the very, very end.

I loved this one. I've read it again and again and again and again. It is well worth reading every year or every other year. It has a just-right feel about it. I think it is true enough to life. It captures the familiarity of the Christmas story. Almost everyone knows the story backwards and forwards. Everyone knows it so very well that none of the characters consider it. They don't process it or absorb it. But the Herdmans. Well. They have NEVER heard it. They don't find it boring or irrelevant. They find it absorbing and interesting. The details, big and small, are fresh to them. They are thinking of the story in a fresh way, in a human way. Not in a been-raised-in-church-my-whole-life way. So it captures the DRAMA of the Christmas story in a fresh way. Readers get a behind-the-scenes look at someone seeing/hearing the story for the very first time. The Herdmans take nothing for granted, assume nothing. They have questions, dozens and dozens of questions. The book isn't overly preachy either. It isn't that someone reads the story the first time, and all six kids suddenly decide to pray a little prayer and get baptized. It is not like that at all. Yet I can't help but seeing the spirit working in this story.

 

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

203. PAWS: Gabby Gets It Together

PAWS #1: Gabby Gets It Together. Nathan Fairbairn. Illustrated by Michele Assarasakorn. 2022. [March] 176 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Ah, Jeez...this is not good. Whoa! Come on, you guys! Quit pulling! Take it easy!!

Premise/plot: Gabby Jordan, Priya Gupta, and Mindy Kim are close friends who start a dog-walking business together. But can their friendship withstand the hardships of working together?

All three--Gabby, Priya, and Mindy--love animals. But none have pets of their own. They desperately want to have actual relationships with actual animals instead of just watching videos on the internet. But three kids walking five dogs five (or more) days a week...can they handle it???

My thoughts: My first thought was that this was just like BABYSITTER'S CLUB except with dogs. That isn't a fair summary. It isn't. They are walking dogs, not babysitting them. And almost all days have them working together as a duo or trio--not solo jobs. But essentially, it is a book where kids start a business together and learn the ups and downs of it. I thought the book did a great job in showing some of the possible consequences! 

Relationships can be hard even without the added strain of working a business together.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

167. Just Harriet

Just Harriet. Elana K. Arnold. 2022. 208 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: My name is Harriet Wermer. There are some things you should know about me before I tell you everything else. Let's start with the worst things first. Sometimes I lie. I don't know why I lie, and it's usually about dumb things that people figure out right away, or really soon. 

Premise/plot: Harriet's summer doesn't go according to her plan. [Well, her parents' plans either if you think about it]. Her mom--who is pregnant--is put on bed rest. Harriet [and her cat Matzo Ball] are sent to live with her grandmother [nanu] who owns a bed and breakfast [and a dog]. Harriet normally loves, loves, loves to spend time visiting her nanu on the island. But not for the whole summer, not in this way with her mother being sick and her father being worried. But sometimes what you DON'T WANT is exactly what you need. There is a light mystery in this coming of age novel starring a soon-to-be fourth grader.

My thoughts: I definitely enjoyed Just Harriet. I loved Moneypenny [the dog] and Matzo Ball [the cat]. I enjoyed the special relationship between grandmother and granddaughter. I liked seeing Harriet explore the island and work on a little light mystery. Harriet is really taking the time to consider what her father's childhood on the island was like. [Which I appreciated.] It was a good read.

 

© 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

128. My Life Begins

My Life Begins. Patricia MacLachlan. 2022. 128 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: I am nine year old when my life begins.

Premise/plot: Jacob, the protagonist, really wants a litter of puppies, OR, at the very least a single dog (or puppy). But alas, it is not to be. Instead, the family will be adding TRIPLETS. Jacob makes "the trips" (his special name for his siblings: Charlotte, Katherine, Elizabeth) his school project. He'll be noting their progress. (Perhaps observing is the better word choice). As the school year progresses, the triplets' development does as well. Soon each one becomes a unique, special, lovely individual whom Jacob has come to love, love, love. The term "trips" now seems derogatory and rude. Can Jacob find a better word for these three?

My thoughts: I wanted to love, love, love, love this one. I didn't. Not quite. I really adored the scene where one of the babies--Lizzie, I think?????--says "Jay" for the first time. He'd been a wee bit jealous that da da and ma ma were getting all the usage. 

It is my personal opinion that it's written more for adults than actual children. Just my opinion, mind you. But Jacob's reflections and the glamorizing of having THREE baby sisters...makes this one feels a little out of sorts. I mean these are perfectly perfect, idealized, dream babies. Everything just seems a little bit too syrupy sweet to be realistic. I think a little gritty realism of what it is really like to live with newborns and infants would make all the difference. 

I did like it. I don't regret reading it at all. There are some lovely passages. It is just an almost book for me. 

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

109. Show and Tail

Show and Tail (Home for Meow #2) Reese Eschmann. 2022. 144 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Bubbles’s belly is huge! She waddles around the kiddie pool Mama filled with blankets for her. The pool is in the corner of our living room, right below the window that gets the best morning light.
“Kira, how many kittens do you think Bubbles is going to have?” asks my little brother, Ryan. We’re kneeling by the side of the kiddie pool. “I bet she’ll have at least eighteen.”

Premise/plot: Show and Tell is the second book in the super-adorable early chapter book series, Home for Meow. Kira, our protagonist, is super-super-super excited--along with her brother, Ryan--that one of their foster cats is PREGNANT. Kira thinks the cat will have six kittens because that's the number of stripes on her back. Ryan, however, who is dreaming of a cat army, is convinced that she'll have eighteen kittens. Though the kittens haven't been born yet, Kira is already trying to find homes for the new kittens. And she's trying to find out how many of her classmates do not have pets...yet.

My thoughts: This second book is again super adorable and sweet. Watching Mr. A and Dr. DJ of Kitten Academy (on YouTube) has spoiled me a bit. Their channel exists primarily to foster pregnant mom cats and find homes for the moms and kittens. Each birth of each momcat is archived. I wish the author would have watched a couple of births. I think 99.99% of readers will not think twice of any of the details--or lack thereof. But the mom cat going into labor is treated like a HUMAN going into labor. Still. Even though I found a couple of things a bit on the unrealistic side, I liked it overall. The writing works well for me. I've shared my favorite quote below.

Quote: 

Math makes less sense than a cat army going to the moon. I try to reword the math problem in terms I know.
Leo has 33 pieces of candy cats left over from Halloween. If he gives 14 pieces cats to Mark and 11 pieces cats to Anna, how many pieces cats does he have left?
I sigh. Changing candy to cats doesn’t make solving the problem any easier. My brain feels like egg whites that have been whipped for too long.

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

100. The Firefly Fix

The Firefly Fix (Trouble at Table 5 #3) Tom Watson. Illustrated by Marta Kissi. 2020. 96 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: IT WAS BEDTIME on Tuesday. But I wasn’t in bed. “Mom! Dad!” I called from the top of the stairs. “Yes, Molly?” Mom called back. “There’s a strange light outside!” I spoke loud enough to reach all the way to the living room. Mom and Dad like to read down there at night. “What’s strange about it?” Dad said loudly. “It’s like a long, straight beam of light,” I answered.

Premise/plot: Molly (and her friends) are back in a third adventure. This book centers around a science fair. But, of course, it opens with a "problem" that has become "stuck" in Molly's mind. That problem is a giant searchlight across town. Where did it come from? Why is there? How long will the lights be on? For better or worse, her parents drive Molly across town until they come across the glaring searchlight and she is able to go ask all her questions....

But as I mentioned, this book is about a SCIENCE FAIR at school. The book opens on Tuesday night. The students must have their topics on Wednesday. Thursday is for researching projects. And Friday are the presentations. Molly and her friends Simon and Rosie have a topic...in part inspired by the bright lights of the opening chapter...their topic is FIREFLIES. 

My thoughts: I can identify with Molly a good majority of the time. But the problem that got "stuck" on my mind was how unrealistic it was for a science fair project to be assigned on Tuesday and have to be presented on Friday. Molly's parents are also super super super enabling and indulgent. I'm not sure how realistic that is to drive around town--past bedtime, after everyone has gotten ready for bed--and look for a mystery light. But I do enjoy the series. I have every intention of reading the whole series. I'm just loving Molly.

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

98. Wish

Wish. Barbara O'Connor. 2016. FSG. 240 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: I looked down at the paper on my desk. The "getting to know you" paper.

Premise/plot: Charlie Reese is a wish-maker. She's made the same wish--in hundreds of ways--for at least the past year. Her dad is in jail; her mom is checked out from reality; her oldest sister is staying with a friend. Charlie? She's moved to Colby to stay with an aunt and uncle she's never met. She's been assigned a backpack buddy named Howard, an easygoing friend with a large family. Adjusting to her new life will take time and courage, will Charlie's wish come true?

My thoughts: I want more Howard. I love him. I do. Maybe it's silly to get so attached to a fictional character, but seriously a Howard in real life would be a girl's dream come true. I love the book. I love the characters. Bertha and Gus, Howard, Wishbone, the whole Odom family. This is a middle grade novel with heart! No wonder the author is getting fan letters from kids saying that she's the best author ever!  

I first read this one in 2017. It was love. I reread it for the first time in 2022. I think I love it even more the second time around. This book is one of my absolute favorites.

Quotes:

I looked down at the paper on my desk.
The “Getting to Know You” paper.
At the top, Mrs. Willibey had written “Charlemagne Reese.”
I put a big X over Charlemagne and wrote “Charlie.”
My name is Charlie. Charlemagne is a dumb name for a girl and I have told my mama that about a gazillion times.

You are a blessing in this house, Charlie,” she said.
A blessing?
She should’ve called me mean and hateful and dumb and sorry, but she called me a blessing.
Then Gus stood up and said the perfect Gus thing.
“Let’s have some of that blackberry cobbler before supper.”

I have a list of all the ways there are to make a wish, like seeing a white horse or blowing a dandelion. Looking at a clock at exactly 11:11 is on my list. I’d learned that from some old man who owned the bait and tackle shop out by the lake where Scrappy and I used to go fishing. Now that I’d missed 11:11, I was going to have to find another way to get in my wish for the day. I hadn’t missed one single day of making my wish since the end of fourth grade, so I sure didn’t want to miss one now.

“I’ve made a wish every single day since fourth grade,” I said.
Howard bugged his eyes out at me. “You must want a lot of stuff.”
I shook my head. “No, just one thing,” I said. “I always wish for the same thing. Every single time.”
The minute I said that, I regretted it. I knew what he was going to say next and sure enough, he did.

Well, dang! I never would’ve guessed that! You’d think that a redheaded boy with glasses who was named Howard and had an up-down walk would have a lot more to wish for than being friends with me. But I admit I felt a smile on my face and hope in my heart, ’cause maybe wishes really do come true. Maybe some wishes just take longer than others.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

88. Ways to Share Joy

Ways to Share Joy. Renee Watson. 2022. [September] 208 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence:  I am a girl in the middle. Stuck in between my older brother, Ray, and baby sister, Rose. Being in the middle means I have my brother bossing me around telling me to do this, do that. It means I am called on to help out with baby Rose when she needs to be rocked, fed, changed. 

Premise/plot: Ways to Share Joy is the third book in the series by Renee Watson. The first two books are Ways To Make Sunshine and Ways to Grow Love. (Both highly recommended). So Ryan, our WONDERFUL heroine is in fifth grade now. The book occurs between October and November of her fifth grade year. The book begins with a Halloween/harvest festival at church and ends with a lovely Thanksgiving celebration/birthday weekend. (Her grandma is having a big, super-surprise birthday). Time is divided between Ryan's life at home (with her immediate and extended family) and at school. 

My thoughts: I love, love, love, love, crazy love this series. I do. It would be awesome to sit down and read all three books back to back to back. (Like I used to do with the Ramona Quimby series by Beverly Cleary.) Ryan Hart has to be one of my all-time favorite heroines. I love Ryan's family. (Though Ray is quite a STINKER in this one.) I love seeing her and her family celebrate. The characterization is so well done in this one. Please let this series never end.

Quotes:

"How about, for every piece of chocolate, we have to tell something we're afraid of," Then I say, "You start," because I realize for the first time that I have no idea if Dad has any fears. He's always the one coming to the rescue. I don't know what makes his heart pound, his palms sweat. .... "I'm afraid moments like this won't happen as you get older." "What do you mean?" I ask. "I'll never say no to chocolate for breakfast." "No, what I mean is--well, you're in the fifth grade now. Next year, you'll be in middle school and I...I just hope you always remember that your daddy loves you. I know I'm missing out on a lot because of my work schedule, but, well, all this hard work is for you."

I can't believe Kiki doesn't like elephant ears [funnel cakes]. We've been friends our whole lives and somehow I didn't know know this. I guess there is always something to learn about a friend, even the friends you know really, really well.

In these photos, she is just a girl. Just a girl who doesn't know she will marry one day and have two daughters and that her grandchildren will love her more than the stars love to cling to the sky.

Joy is something deep, deep down. Joy isn't always based on how you feel, but what you know. And sometimes Joy is happening even when frustration and sadness is happening. So, that's why I said what I said. Today, I am reminded of how much this family loves me. And my heart is truly overjoyed.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

71. Flipping Forward Twisting Backward

Flipping Forward Twisting Backward. Alma Fullerton. 2022. [July] 144 pages. [Source: Review copy]

 First sentence: In the gym club
there's always someone
who flies higher
and works harder
than everyone else.
In the gym club
there's always someone
who pushes to be
number one.
In the gym club
there's always someone
who can do
anything.
When I am
in the gym club
that someone
is me.
There's
no better feeling
than being number one
when everywhere else
you're last in line.

Premise/plot: Flipping Forward Twisting Backward by Alma Fullerton may just be my new favorite children's book published in 2022. Claire, our protagonist, excels in gymnastics. She absolutely loves it; she loves her teammates. What she is not loving is school. And not for the reason you may be thinking. (Though to be fair, I don't know what you are thinking.) Claire may be in fifth grade, but, Claire has a secret, a big secret, a secret that is getting heavier and heavier by the day. Claire cannot read. 

Flipping Forward Twisting Backward captures Claire's struggle as she begins to ask for help--beg and plead--for help. 

My thoughts: I loved, loved, loved this one. I loved the characters. I love Claire. I love that she has a great supporting cast. She has some great friends and teammates. She has a great big sister. There are a few adults that really do want to help. (Including a principal that is actually super-helpful). But not all the characters are supportive and compassionate. Trigger warning, Claire is the victim of bullying at school. And even her teacher's words and actions can be seen in a biased way. (Though I am not saying the teacher is a bully.) I loved the story. I loved seeing ALL of Claire's life--at home, at school, at the gym. I loved that there was a balance of things going wonderfully right and going horribly wrong. This realistic balance carries over in the characterization as well--very human. No one is all good or all bad. Even the most difficult characters have redeeming qualities on display--now and then. For example, her mother, whom I wanted to yell at or "shake" for a good bit of this novel. I thought the subject of learning disabilities is (and was, and probably ever shall be) relevant. In this case, we're talking dyslexia. I also loved the writing.

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

37. Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet

Planet Omar #1: Accidental Trouble Magnet. Zanib Mian. Illustrated by Nasaya Mafaridik. 2019. 224 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Khaa Toooo! There was a big puddle of spit on my little brother's forehead. It was mine. But, phew, he was still sleeping.

Premise/plot: This middle grade coming of age novel is heavily illustrated. Omar, the protagonist, is adjusting to life in a new house and a new school. Life at home and school isn't always easy...especially at school where there's a bully. At home, well, there's always SIBLINGS. Still despite some strife and tension, Omar's family is DELIGHTFUL.

My thoughts: Not every book "needs" a ton of conflict. This is one of those easy-going ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF THE JOURNEY type book. It isn't that the book lacks all conflict--remember there is a school bully that must be dealt with one way or another. (Also a slightly mean neighbor that must be tamed.) But mainly this is just an enjoying-life-as-it-comes read. Part of that is just a simple unpacking of his Muslim faith/culture. Sharing the ins and outs of his and his family's faith in action.

Omar and his family are good company.

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

34. Teeny Houdini: The Disappearing Act

The Disappearing Act (Teeny Houdini #1) Katrina Moore. Illustrated by Zoe Si. 2022. [January] 112 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Ding. Ding. Ms. Stoltz rings the teacher's bell.

Premise/plot: Bessie Lee is the 'Teeny Houdini.' This rambunctious first grader is super excited about the upcoming talent show. But WHAT is her talent??? Since annoying her older sister probably most likely does not count. With the help and support of her family, a dream is born....

My thoughts: Bessie Lee joins a long, long, long list of youngsters who are adorably pesky and/or hyper. Think Junie B. Jones.

The Disappearing Act would make a good read aloud for teachers and parents. Time is split between Bessie Lee's classroom and her home life. The book is about Bessie Lee searching for (and finding) her talent before the big show at the end of the week. There will be a few missteps along the way, perhaps.

Overall, I definitely liked it. 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers